Device for chromatographic quantitative measurement

ABSTRACT

In a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to the present invention, a beam applied from a light source ( 201 ) to a chromatography test strip ( 8 ) is formed into an elliptical shape by an optical means such as a cylindrical lens ( 205 ), a variation in absorbance that accompanies elution of a marker regent is detected while the elliptical beam is applied between a marker reagent hold part ( 82 ) and a detection part ( 83 ), and a measurement is automatically started in a prescribed period of time since the detection of variation.  
     According to the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus so configured, non-uniform coloration is reduced by shaping the beam elliptically with the optical means, whereby the accuracy of quantitative analysis is enhanced, and further the apparatus can be operated easily.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus which performs a measurement employing animmuno-chromatography test strip or the like and, more particularly, toone which is improved in performance of a quantitative measurement.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Hereinafter, a description will be given of a spectrophotometeras a conventional chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus. FIG.25(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of theconventional reflective spectrophotometer, and FIG. 25(b) is a diagramillustrating the constitution of a chromatography test strip.

[0003] In FIG. 25(a), an optical beam 11 emitted from a lamp 1 is inputto a diffraction grating 3 via a reflector 2. The optical beam 11 inputto the diffraction grating 3 is selected thereby for its lightwavelength, and the optical beam 11 is narrowed by an aperture 4 andinput to a glass plate 5. The optical beam 11 reflected at the glassplate 5 is received by a first photomultiplier tube 7 as a referencebeam 6. On the other hand, the optical beam 11 transmitted through theglass plate 5 is applied to a part of a chromatography test strip 8, anda scattering light 9 from the chromatography test strip 8 is received bya second photomultiplier tube 10. Output signals from the firstphotomultiplier tube 7 and the second photomultiplier tube 10 arerespectively subjected to Log transformation, and a value obtained bysubtracting a Log transformed value for the second-photomultiplier tube10 from a Log transformed value for the first photomultiplier tube 7 isoutput as an absorbance signal.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 25(b), the immuno-chromatography test strip 8utilizing an antigen antibody reaction comprises an application part 81where a liquid sample as an inspection target solution is applied, amarker reagent hold part 82 which holds a marker reagent which is movedby permeation of the liquid sample and has a substance that isspecifically bounded to an analysis target included in the liquid whichflows therein, a detection part 83 where the marker reagent and theanalysis target are bounded and immobilized, a part for absorbing thesample which flows therein, and a remaining base part 84.

[0005] An operation of the so-configured chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus will be described.

[0006] First, when an inspection target solution is applied to theapplication part 81, the inspection target solution is developed on adevelopment layer 85. At this time, when the inspection target solutionreaches the marker reagent hold part 82, a marker reagent is eluted andspecifically bonded to an analysis target included in the inspectiontarget solution. Then, this bounded material is immobilized at thedetection part 83, and a non-immobilized residual marker reagent flowsdownstream of the development layer 85 without being immobilized.

[0007] Next, as shown in FIG. 25(a), a beam is applied to thechromatography test strip 8 from the light source 1 so as to measure theconcentration of the analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution. There is previously calculated a calibration curve indicatinga relationship between the difference between the absorbance signal atthe base part 84 of the chromatography test strip 8 and the absorbancesignal at the detection part 83, and the concentration of a sample to bemeasured. The concentration of the sample is calculated by detecting thedifference between the absorbance signal at the base part 84 and that atthe detection part 83.

[0008] While analysis by immuno-chromatography is generally qualitative,a method of quantitative analysis has been also developed. For example,Japanese Published Patent Application No. Hei. 8-240591 discloses amethod by which the degree of coloration is quantitatively measured bymeasuring signals of absorbance, reflection, and the like at acoloration part on a test strip employing a spectrophotometer after asample is applied to the immuno-chromatography test strip and a reactionis caused thereon. Further, Japanese Published Patent Application No.Hei. 11-142338 discloses a method by which the absorbance at thecoloration part is measured without influence of outside light by usinga light emitting diode as a light source.

[0009] However, in the conventional chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus, which has no problem with respect toimmuno-chromatography for qualitative analysis, in case of quantitativeanalysis, when for example a liquid sample including cellularcomponents, such as blood, is to be analyzed, the viscosity of theliquid sample or the existence of cellular components generates partialclogging, resulting in non-uniform coloration at the base part of theimmuno-chromatography test strip. Thus, as the concentration is obtainedby the difference between the absorbance signal at the base part andthat at the detection part, when an error is generated due to thenon-uniform coloration at the base part according to the position wherea beam is applied, a quantitative measurement is disturbed. Further,when a spectrophotometer which uses a lamp as a light source is used, itis difficult to reduce the size and cost of the apparatus.

[0010] Further, in the above-described conventional chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus, since the inspection target solutionis slowly developed on the development layer 85, a value of a detectionsignal is gradually varied with time at the detection part 83 of thechromatography test strip 8. That is, in order to obtain a more stablemeasurement result, it is important to manage time to perform ameasurement. In the conventional measurement using a spectrophotometer,there is no function of managing time, so that an inspector has tomanage time manually, resulting in a trouble in a measurement operation.Further, there is sometimes a test strip on which a normal measurementis disturbed according to the inspection target solution or a state ofthe chromatography test strip 8. In the conventional measurement using aspectrophotometer, there is no function of detecting the state of theinspection target solution or the chromatography test strip 8, so thatan inspector has to judge the state manually, resulting in a trouble ina measurement operation. Furthermore, since a marker reagent remains atthe marker reagent hold part 82 of the chromatography test strip 8 evenafter its elution, influences of the residual marker reagent must bereduced in order to enhance the accuracy of a quantitative measurement.However, in the conventional measurement using a spectrophotometer,there is no function of recognizing the residual marker reagent, so thatan inspector has to recognize it manually, resulting in a trouble in ameasurement operation.

[0011] Further, an immuno-chromatography test strip for a qualitative orsemi-quantitative measurement is generally put in a hollow casing anddiscarded together with the casing when an inspection is ended. Forexample, in Japanese Published Patent Applications No. Hei. 1-503174 andNo. Hei. 6-180320, there are disclosed methods in which a casing 90 withan injection part 91 through which a liquid sample is applied to theimmuno-chromatography test strip, and an aperture 92 for observing acoloration part are provided, and the degree of discoloration isvisually judged as an inspection result, as shown in FIG. 25(c).Further, in immuno-chromatography quantitative analysis for measuringthe degree of discoloration by a multi-purpose spectrophotometer, thereis no problem in employing the casing when the frequency of measurementsis low. However, when a quantitative measurement is performed frequentlyfor the purpose of clinical examination or the like, there is a problemof the cost of the casing and a storage space to be secured. On theother hand, when the quantitative measurement is performed by solelyemploying the immuno-chromatography test strip without the casing, thetest strip is put on a measurement table of the spectrophotometerdirectly, so that a sample adheres to a measuring apparatus.Furthermore, the test strip must be attached to the measuring apparatusprecisely so that a beam is accurately applied to the base part and thedetection part.

[0012] The present invention is made to solve the above-mentionedproblems and has for its object to provide a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus which makes highly accurate immuno-chromatographyquantitative analysis possible, as well as realizes a reduction in thesize and cost of the apparatus, a chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus which improves operationality thereof, or a chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus which enhances the accuracy of aquantitative measurement.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0013] According to claim 1 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies a beamemitted from a light source to a sample, detects an optical signal froma transmitted light or reflected light from the sample, andquantitatively reads the concentration of the sample from the signal,including: an optical means for forming the beam emitted from the lightsource into an elliptical or rectangular shape and applying theelliptically or rectangularly shaped beam to the sample.

[0014] Therefore, it is possible to perform a quantitative measurementwith fewer measurement errors which are caused by non-uniform colorationat a base part.

[0015] According to claim 2 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 1,the sample is put on an immuno-chromatography test strip, and the beamapplied to the sample has a longer side which is shorter than the widthof the immuno-chromatography test strip in the width direction that isorthogonal with respect to the long-side direction.

[0016] Therefore, it is possible to perform a quantitative measurementwith much fewer measurement errors which are caused by non-uniformcoloration at a base part.

[0017] According to claim 3 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 1,the sample is put on an immuno-chromatography test strip, and the beamapplied to the sample has a shorter side which is shorter than the widthof a detection part region of the immuno-chromatography test strip.

[0018] Therefore, it is possible to perform a quantitative measurementwith much fewer measurement errors which are caused by non-uniformcoloration at a base part.

[0019] According to claim 4 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in any ofclaims 1 to 3, the optical signal is detected by scanning the beamapplied to the sample, or the sample.

[0020] Therefore, an operation for measuring a difference betweenabsorbance signals is simplified, resulting in an effective measurement.

[0021] According to claim 5 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 1, alaser is used as the light source, and a laser beam from the lightsource is converted into a collimated beam via a collimator lens, andthe optical means forms the collimated beam into an elliptical shape viaa cylindrical lens and applies the elliptically shaped beam to thesample.

[0022] Therefore, the size of the apparatus can be reduced by employinga laser as a light source, and since a measurement is sufficientlyperformed with a photodiode, as compared with a conventional sampleconcentration measuring apparatus which uses a photomultiplier tube toreceive a scattering light and a reflected light from a sample, the costof the apparatus can be reduced.

[0023] According to claim 6 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 1, alaser is used as the light source, and the laser beam from the lightsource is converted into a collimated beam via a collimator lens, andthe optical means forms the collimated beam into a rectangular shape viaa rectangularly shaped aperture member and applies the rectangularlyshaped beam to the sample. Therefore, the size of the apparatus can bereduced by employing a laser as a light source, and since a measurementis sufficiently performed with a photodiode, as compared with aconventional apparatus using a photomultiplier tube to receive ascattering light and a reflected light from a sample, the cost of theapparatus can be reduced.

[0024] According to claim 7 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies a beamemitted from a light source to a sample, detects an optical signal froma transmitted light or reflected light from the sample, andquantitatively reads the concentration of the sample from the signal,including: a laser as the light source; and a collimator lens whichconverts the laser beam into a collimated beam, in which chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus when the collimated beam is shapedrectangularly via an aperture member and the rectangularly shaped beamis applied to the sample, the direction of a longer side of therectangularly shaped beam is made to correspond to the direction inwhich the beam divergence angle of the laser becomes larger.

[0025] Therefore, it is possible to perform a quantitative measurementwith much fewer measurement errors.

[0026] According to claim 8 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies a beamemitted from a light source to a sample, detects an optical signal froma transmitted light or reflected light from the sample, andquantitatively reads the concentration of the sample from the signal,including: a laser as the light source; and a collimator lens whichconverts the laser beam into a collimated beam, in which chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus when the collimated beam is shapedelliptically via a cylindrical lens and the elliptically shaped beam isapplied to the sample, the direction of a longer side of theelliptically shaped beam is made to correspond to the direction in whichthe beam divergence angle of the laser becomes larger.

[0027] Therefore, it is possible to perform a quantitative measurementwith much fewer measurement errors.

[0028] According to claim 9 of the present invention, the chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus as defined in any of claims 5 to 8,includes: a compensation means for storing the initial wavelength of thelaser, calculating the present wavelength of the laser to compensate byprovision of a temperature detection element in the vicinity of thelaser, and compensating an optical signal detection value or theconverted concentration of the sample which is obtained by convertingthe optical signal detection value.

[0029] Therefore, it is possible to perform a quantitative measurementwith fewer measurement errors by reducing an influence of hardwareconfiguration or usage environment.

[0030] According to claim 10 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 9,the compensation means performs processing for detecting the opticalsignal, processing for obtaining the converted concentration of thesample, and processing for compensating the converted concentration,with the same calculator.

[0031] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus.

[0032] According to claim 11 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in any ofclaims 5 to 8, the concentration of the sample is calculated from adifference between electronic signals obtained by two light receivingelements, i.e., a reference beam light receiving element which receivesa reference beam separated from the beam emitted from the laser, and ascattering light receiving element which receives a scattering lightgenerated by the application of the laser to the sample, and the area ofthe reference beam light receiving element for receiving light issmaller than the area of the scattering light receiving element forreceiving light.

[0033] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost and size of theapparatus.

[0034] According to claim 12 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in any ofclaims 5 to 8, the concentration of the sample is calculated from adifference between electronic signals obtained by two light receivingelements, i.e., a reference beam light receiving element which receivesa reference beam separated from the beam emitted from the laser, and ascattering light receiving element which receives a scattering lightgenerated by the application of the laser to the sample, and thischromatography quantitative measuring apparatus includes: a condensingmeans for condensing the scattering light from the sample on thescattering light receiving element.

[0035] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the scatteringlight receiving element, thereby reducing the cost and size of theapparatus.

[0036] According to claim 13 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 12,the condensing means is a concave mirror which condenses a light fromthe sample that is scattered in the opposite direction of the directionin which the scattering light receiving element is arranged, on thescattering light receiving element.

[0037] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the scatteringlight receiving element, thereby reducing the cost of the apparatus.

[0038] According to claim 14 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 12,the condensing means is a condensing lens arranged between the sampleand the scattering light receiving element, which condenses thescattering light from the sample that goes toward the scattering lightreceiving element, on the scattering light receiving element.

[0039] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the scatteringlight receiving element, thereby reducing the cost of the apparatus.

[0040] According to claim 15 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, in which chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus theinspection target solution is applied to the chromatography test strip,the optical beam is applied to a prescribed position of the base part, avariation of the transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, which is generated by the elution of themarker reagent that accompanies the development of the inspection targetsolution, is detected, and the concentration of the analysis targetincluded in the inspection target solution is measured in a prescribedperiod of time since the detection of variation.

[0041] Therefore, an operator does not need to manage time manually, andbecause a measurement is performed after the elution of the markerreagent is detected, it is possible to discriminate a used test stripwhere a marker reagent is already eluted.

[0042] According to claim 16 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 15,at least one of temperature and humidity is monitored, and a previouslyset prescribed period of time after which the measurement of theconcentration of the analysis target is performed is compensated.

[0043] Therefore, it is possible to reduce influence of surroundingtemperature and humidity on a variation in speed of development of theinspection target solution on the chromatography test strip.

[0044] According to claim 17 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 15,the light source is repeatedly lighted and extinguished alternatelywhile the development of the inspection target solution is detected.

[0045] Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration in performanceof the chromatography test strip, which accompanies temperature rise ata part for applying a laser beam to the chromatography test strip.

[0046] According to claim 18 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 15,the light source is extinguished until shortly before the detection ofthe development of the inspection target solution.

[0047] Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration in performanceof the chromatography test strip, which accompanies temperature rise ata part for applying a laser beam to the chromatography test strip.

[0048] According to claim 19 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 15,output from the light source is set lower than that when theconcentration of the analysis target is measured, while the developmentof the inspection target solution is detected.

[0049] Therefore, it is possible to prevent deterioration in performanceof the chromatography test strip, which accompanies temperature rise ata part for applying a laser beam to the chromatography test strip.

[0050] According to claim 20 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, in which chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus theinspection target solution is applied to the chromatography test strip,a speed of development after the application of the inspection targetsolution is detected, and it is judged whether performance of thechromatography test strip is high or low from the speed of development.

[0051] Therefore, it is possible to judge whether there is a defect onthe chromatography test strip such as abnormal clogging.

[0052] According to claim 21 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 20,the speed of development is calculated by detecting time variation ofvalue of a detection signal, which is generated by the flow of themarker reagent that accompanies the development of the inspection targetsolution on the chromatography test strip.

[0053] Therefore, it is possible to judge whether there is a defect onthe chromatography test strip such as abnormal clogging.

[0054] According to claim 22 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 20,the speed of development is calculated from a speed of scanning of theoptical beam, when the optical beam is scanned so that a value of thedetection signal, which is generated by the elution of the markerreagent that accompanies the development of the inspection targetsolution on the chromatography test strip, is kept constant.

[0055] Therefore, it is possible to judge whether there is a defect onthe chromatography test strip such as abnormal clogging.

[0056] According to claim 23 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 20,a discrimination value of the speed of development, from which whetherperformance of the chromatography test strip is high or low is judged,is compensated from a result of measuring at least one of surroundingtemperature and humidity at the development of the inspection targetsolution on the chromatography test strip.

[0057] Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous judgement as towhether performance is high or low, which is due to influence oftemperature or humidity.

[0058] According to claim 24 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, in which chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus akind of inspection target solution is judged from a detection signal atthe base part on the chromatography test strip where the inspectiontarget solution is applied.

[0059] Therefore, it is possible to judge a kind of inspection targetsolution which is applied to the chromatography test strip.

[0060] According to claim 25 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 24,the base part where the detection signal is measured is locateddownstream of the detection part in the direction of the development.

[0061] Therefore, it is possible to suppress an erroneous judgement on akind of inspection target solution, which is due to influences of amarker reagent that is liable to remain at a base part upstream of thedetection part as compared with a base part downstream thereof.

[0062] According to claim 26 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 24,a calibration curve in conformity with the inspection target solutioncan be selected previously.

[0063] Therefore, when plural kinds of inspection target solutions aremeasured, an operator does not need to manually input a kind ofinspection target solution to the apparatus, resulting in an automaticmeasurement.

[0064] According to claim 27 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, in which chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusdeficiency in the amount of inspection target solution applied andinsufficient development on the chromatography test strip are judgedfrom a detection signal that is obtained by applying the optical beam tothe downstream end part of the base part on the chromatography teststrip where the inspection target solution is applied.

[0065] Therefore, it is possible to detect deficiency in the amount ofinspection target solution applied to the chromatography test strip, orinsufficient development on the chromatography test strip which isgenerated by clogging or the like.

[0066] According to claim 28 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 27,the optical beam is scanned from the upstream end part of the base parton the chromatography test strip to the downstream end part thereof.

[0067] Therefore, no new light source is required to detect deficiencyin the amount of inspection target solution applied and insufficientdevelopment on the chromatography test strip, thereby restrainingincrease in the size and cost of the apparatus that accompany additionof the function.

[0068] According to claim 29 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, in which chromatography quantitative measuring apparatuswhen a detection signal at a part downstream of the detection part inthe direction of the development, where influence of the detection partis not exerted, is a standard value, a detection signal at the detectionpart is taken as a detection signal for the measurement ofconcentration.

[0069] Therefore, it is possible to suppress influence of an error in ameasurement of absorbance, which is due to a marker reagent liable toremain at a base part upstream of the detection part as compared with abase part downstream thereof.

[0070] According to claim 30 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 29,the detection signal for the measurement of concentration is an averagevalue of values about an extreme value of the detection part, and thedetection signal as the standard value is an average value of values inthe vicinity of the position downstream of the detection part in thedirection in which the inspection target solution is developed, whereinfluence of the detection part is not exerted.

[0071] Therefore, even when an electrical noise is accidentally added tothe detection signal, it is possible to reduce influence on the resultof calculation for obtaining the concentration of an analysis target.

[0072] According to claim 31 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 29,the detection signal for the measurement of concentration is anintermediate value of values about an extreme value of the detectionpart, and the detection signal as the standard value is an intermediatevalue of values in the vicinity of the position downstream of thedetection part in the direction in which the inspection target solutionis developed, where influence of the detection part is not exerted.

[0073] Therefore, even when an electrical noise is accidentally added toan absorbance signal, influence on the result of calculation forobtaining the concentration of an analysis target can be reduced furtheras compared with a case when an average value is employed.

[0074] According to claim 32 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 29,a comparison is made of values about an extreme value of the detectionsignal at the detection part, and when a difference therebetween exceedsa discrimination value, the chromatography test strip is judged to below in performance.

[0075] Therefore, it is possible to avoid an erroneous measurement dueto non-uniform immobilization of a marker reagent at the detection part,a flaw on the surface of the chromatography test strip, or the like.

[0076] According to claim 33 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 29,a comparison is made of values in the vicinity of a position downstreamof the detection part in the direction of the development, whereinfluence of the detection part is not exerted, and when a differencetherebetween exceeds a discrimination value, the chromatography teststrip is judged to be low in performance.

[0077] Therefore, it is possible to avoid an erroneous measurement dueto non-uniform development of the inspection target solution at the basepart by clogging, a flaw on the surface of the chromatography teststrip, or the like.

[0078] According to claim 34 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, in which chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus themeasurement of concentration is performed on the chromatography teststrip exclusive of the marker reagent hold part.

[0079] Therefore, a measured value of absorbance at the marker reagenthold part is not included, whereby an erroneous recognition of the peakposition of the absorbance is prevented, resulting in a normal detectionof the concentration of an analysis target.

[0080] According to claim 35 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, in which chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus aregion on the chromatography test strip where a value of the detectionsignal is flat is taken as a region of the marker reagent hold part.

[0081] Therefore, an erroneous recognition of the peak position of theabsorbance is prevented, resulting in a normal detection of theconcentration of an analysis target.

[0082] According to claim 36 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 35,the width of the region on the chromatography test strip where the valueof the detection signal is flat is calculated, and the width is comparedwith a prescribed width of the marker reagent hold part.

[0083] Therefore, the amount of marker reagent held can be confirmed,whereby it is possible to judge whether the chromatography test strip islow in performance.

[0084] According to claim 37 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 35,a value in the region on the chromatography test strip where thedetection signal is flat is detected, and the amount of residual markerreagent is confirmed from the detected value.

[0085] Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether the marker reagenthas flown normally or not.

[0086] According to claim 38 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, in which chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus arise and fall of a detection signal are recognized, and an extreme valueof the detection signal is obtained.

[0087] Therefore, an erroneous recognition of the peak position of theabsorbance is prevented, resulting in a normal detection of theconcentration of an analysis target.

[0088] According to claim 39 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 38,the rise and fall of the detection signal is recognized, an intervalbetween the rise and the fall is calculated, and the size of theinterval is compared with a prescribed width of the detection part.

[0089] Therefore, the width of the detection part can be confirmed,whereby it is possible to judge whether the chromatography test strip islow in performance.

[0090] According to claim 40 of the present invention, there is provideda chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus for performing aquantitative measurement by applying an inspection target solution to animmuno-chromatography test strip, applying a beam to a detection part ofthe immuno-chromatography test strip after development of the inspectiontarget solution, so as to detect an optical signal, and quantitativelyreading the concentration of a sample from the detected signal, whichchromatography quantitative measuring apparatus includes: a fixing tablefor holding the immuno-chromatography test strip and a measurement tablefor holding the fixing table, in which the immuno-chromatography teststrip comprises a development layer for developing the inspection targetsolution and a carrier for holding the development layer.

[0091] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be accuratelyattached to the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus, and itis possible to reduce the cost for a casing and a storage space.

[0092] According to claim 41 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the measurement table is provided with a groove for positioning thefixing table.

[0093] Therefore, the fixing table can be accurately attached to themeasurement table.

[0094] According to claim 42 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the measurement table is provided with a movable projection for fixingthe fixing table.

[0095] Therefore, the fixing table can be accurately attached to themeasurement table.

[0096] According to claim 43 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the quantitative measurement is performed by scanning the beam.

[0097] Therefore, an absorbance signal at both of the base part and thedetection part of the immuno-chromatography test strip can be obtained.

[0098] According to claim 44 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the fixing table is provided with a projection, and the carrier isprovided with a hole in which the projection can be inserted.

[0099] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be positionedon the fixing table and attached thereto.

[0100] According to claim 45 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 44,the hole has a round shape.

[0101] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be positionedon the fixing table and attached thereto.

[0102] According to claim 46 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 44,the hole has a rectangular shape.

[0103] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be positionedon the fixing table and attached thereto.

[0104] According to claim 47 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 44,the hole is provided downstream of the development layer in thedirection in which the inspection target solution is developed.

[0105] Therefore, a sample is prevented from adhering to the fixingtable.

[0106] According to claim 48 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 44,the hole is provided asymmetrically with respect to the center line ofthe immuno-chromatography test strip in the longer-side direction.

[0107] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip is prevented frombeing attached to the fixing table inside out.

[0108] According to claim 49 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the fixing table is provided with a guide, and the carrier is largerthan the development layer and follows the shape of the guide.

[0109] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be accuratelyattached to the fixing table without the development layer adhering tothe guide.

[0110] According to claim 50 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 49,a part of the guide is inclined.

[0111] Therefore, the carrier can easily follow the shape of the guide.

[0112] According to claim 51 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 49,the carrier is provided with a notch in which the guide can be inserted.

[0113] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be accuratelyattached to the fixing table without the development layer adhering tothe guide.

[0114] According to claim 52 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the measurement table is provided with a projection, and theimmuno-chromatography test strip and the fixing table are provided withholes in which the projection can be inserted.

[0115] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be easilyattached to the fixing table, as well as accurately attached to themeasurement table.

[0116] According to claim 53 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 52,the projection has its end inclined.

[0117] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be attachedmore easily.

[0118] According to claim 54 of the present invention, thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,includes: a test strip fixing device for fixing theimmuno-chromatography test strip on the fixing table, in which the teststrip fixing device presses the vicinity of a measurement area of theimmuno-chromatography test strip.

[0119] Therefore, a part of the immuno-chromatography test strip where abeam is applied can be smoothed.

[0120] According to claim 55 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 54,the test strip fixing device presses the carrier of theimmuno-chromatography test strip.

[0121] Therefore, a part of the immuno-chromatography test strip where abeam is applied can be smoothed without the development layer adheringto the test strip fixing device.

[0122] According to claim 56 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 54,the test strip fixing device is provided with a transmission windowthrough which the beam is transmitted.

[0123] Therefore, a measurement operation can be performed while thetest strip fixing device is attached.

[0124] According to claim 57 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 54,the test strip fixing device is provided with pawl-shaped projectionsfor fixing the test strip fixing device on the fixing table.

[0125] Therefore, the test strip fixing device can be easily attached.

[0126] According to claim 58 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 54,the test strip fixing device slides along the fixing table.

[0127] Therefore, the test strip fixing device can be easily attached.

[0128] According to claim 59 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 58,the test strip fixing device or the fixing table is provided with aninclination part, and the test strip fixing device and the fixing tableare brought into contact at the inclination part, thereby fixing thetest strip fixing device on the fixing table.

[0129] Therefore, the test strip fixing device can be easily fixed onthe fixing table.

[0130] According to claim 60 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 54,the test strip fixing device is integrated with the fixing table.

[0131] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a loss of the test stripfixing device.

[0132] According to claim 61 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 54,the test strip fixing device is provided with handles.

[0133] Therefore, the test strip fixing device is easy to deal with.

[0134] According to claim 62 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 54,the test strip fixing device is provided with a needle which penetratesthe immuno-chromatography test strip.

[0135] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be easilyremoved from the fixing table.

[0136] According to claim 63 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the carrier is provided with grooves, and the fixing table or themeasurement table is provided with a guide which can be inserted in thegrooves.

[0137] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be accuratelyattached to the fixing table without the development layer adhering tothe guide.

[0138] According to claim 64 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 63,the grooves are formed by a laser cutter.

[0139] Therefore, the process of manufacturing the immuno-chromatographytest strip can be simplified.

[0140] According to claim 65 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the fixing table is provided with an insertion slot in which theimmuno-chromatography test strip can be inserted.

[0141] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be easilyattached to the fixing table.

[0142] According to claim 66 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 65,the insertion slot is inclined.

[0143] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be easilyinserted in the fixing table.

[0144] According to claim 67 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 65,the immuno-chromatography test strip is provided with a notch at its endon the side of insertion into the fixing table, and the fixing table isprovided with a projection which has the shape same as that of thenotch.

[0145] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be insertedin the fixing table as well as positioned therein.

[0146] According to claim 68 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 67,the notch is provided asymmetrically with respect to the center line ofthe immuno-chromatography test strip in the longer-side direction.

[0147] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the immuno-chromatographytest strip from being inserted in the fixing table inside out.

[0148] According to claim 69 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 65,the carrier is provided with a groove at its end on the side ofinsertion of the immuno-chromatography test strip into the fixing table,and the fixing table is provided with a projection which can be insertedin the groove.

[0149] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be insertedin the fixing table as well as positioned therein, and further fixed inthe fixing table.

[0150] According to claim 70 of the present invention, thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 69,includes: a means for detecting whether the projection is inserted inthe groove.

[0151] Therefore, it is possible to recognize that theimmuno-chromatography test strip is correctly disposed in the fixingtable.

[0152] According to claim 71 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 65,the immuno-chromatography test strip is shaped to have stages bynarrowing the width on the side of insertion into the fixing table.Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be inserted in thefixing table as well as positioned therein.

[0153] According to claim 72 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 65,the fixing table is provided with an elastic member for pressing theimmuno-chromatography test strip.

[0154] Therefore, a part of the immuno-chromatography test strip where abeam is applied can be smoothed.

[0155] According to claim 73 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 72,the elastic member is integrated with the fixing table.

[0156] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a loss of the elasticmember.

[0157] According to claim 74 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 72,the elastic member has its end inclined.

[0158] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be smoothlyinserted in the fixing table.

[0159] According to claim 75 of the present invention, thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 72,includes: a mechanism for releasing the press by the elastic member.

[0160] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be easilyremoved from the fixing table.

[0161] According to claim 76 of the present invention, thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,includes: an elastic member for pressing the immuno-chromatography teststrip.

[0162] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be easilyattached to the fixing table, and a part where a beam is applied can besmoothed.

[0163] According to claim 77 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 72or 76, the elastic member is detachable.

[0164] Therefore, it is possible to promptly cope with a case where theelastic member is defective.

[0165] According to claim 78 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,an operator can hold the carrier to detach the immuno-chromatographytest strip from the fixing table.

[0166] Therefore, an operator is not contaminated with a sample whendetaching the immuno-chromatography test strip.

[0167] According to claim 79 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 78,the carrier is bent to create a space between the fixing table and theend of the carrier.

[0168] Therefore, the immuno-chromatography test strip can be detachedeasily.

[0169] According to claim 80 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 79,the carrier is provided with a groove to be bent therealong.

[0170] Therefore, the carrier is easily bent, so that theimmuno-chromatography test strip can be detached simply.

[0171] According to claim 81 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 78,the carrier protrudes above the fixing table.

[0172] Therefore, the carrier is easy for an operator to hold whendetaching the immuno-chromatography test strip, resulting in enhancementin operationality.

[0173] According to claim 82 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 78,a part of the carrier is provided with a slip stopper.

[0174] Therefore, the carrier is easy for an operator to hold whendetaching the immuno-chromatography test strip, resulting in enhancementin operationality.

[0175] According to claim 83 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the fixing table is provided with a groove for receiving the inspectiontarget solution.

[0176] Therefore, a sample which erroneously escapes during theapplication of sample to the immuno-chromatography test strip isprevented from adhering to the measuring apparatus.

[0177] According to claim 84 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 83,the groove is given a slope, so that the inspection target solution canbe supplied to the development layer from the direction of the crosssection of the immuno-chromatography test strip.

[0178] Therefore, the fixing table is applicable to other types of teststrips.

[0179] According to claim 85 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the fixing table is subjected to water repellent finishing.

[0180] Therefore, a sample which erroneously escapes during theapplication of sample to the immuno-chromatography test strip can beeasily wiped.

[0181] According to claim 86 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the fixing table is attached with an absorbent material.

[0182] Therefore, a sample which erroneously escapes during theapplication of sample to the immuno-chromatography test strip isabsorbed by the absorbent material, so that the sample is prevented fromadhering to the measuring apparatus.

[0183] According to claim 87 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,the fixing table has a through hole in which a removal bar can beinserted, and the bar is inserted in the through hole to press theimmuno-chromatography test strip, thereby removing theimmuno-chromatography test strip from the fixing table.

[0184] Therefore, an operator is not contaminated with a sample whendetaching the immuno-chromatography test strip.

[0185] According to claim 88 of the present invention, in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 87,the removal bar is integrated with the fixing table.

[0186] Therefore, it is possible to prevent a loss of the bar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0187]FIG. 1 are diagrams illustrating the configuration of achromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to a firstembodiment.

[0188]FIG. 2 are cross sectional views of a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to a second embodiment from the viewpointof the direction in which a sample is developed, and from the viewpointof the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sample isdeveloped.

[0189]FIG. 3 are cross sectional views of another chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment fromthe viewpoint of the direction in which the sample is developed, andfrom the viewpoint of the direction perpendicular to the direction inwhich the sample is developed.

[0190]FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of achromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to a thirdembodiment.

[0191]FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of achromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to a fourthembodiment.

[0192]FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of achromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to a fifthembodiment.

[0193]FIG. 7 are diagrams schematically illustrating the configurationof a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to asixth embodiment.

[0194]FIG. 8 are diagrams showing a change in absorbance whichaccompanies development of an inspection target solution, according tothe sixth embodiment.

[0195]FIG. 9 are diagrams showing a change in absorbance in a statewhere an optical beam is kept being applied according to a seventhembodiment.

[0196]FIG. 10 are diagrams showing results of measuring absorbances on achromatography test strip when different inspection target solutions areemployed, according to an eighth embodiment.

[0197]FIG. 11 are diagrams illustrating development of an inspectiontarget solution on a chromatography test strip according to a ninthembodiment.

[0198]FIG. 12 are diagrams illustrating a measurement of a difference inabsorbance on a chromatography test strip according to a tenthembodiment.

[0199]FIG. 13 are diagrams illustrating an electrical noise of anabsorbance signal on a chromatography test strip according to aneleventh embodiment.

[0200]FIG. 14 are diagrams illustrating an optical noise of anabsorbance signal on a chromatography test strip according to a twelfthembodiment.

[0201]FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating absorbance on a chromatographytest strip including absorbance at a marker reagent hold part, accordingto a thirteenth embodiment.

[0202]FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a method for detecting a peakvalue of absorbance on a chromatography test strip according to afourteenth embodiment.

[0203]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a chromatography measuringapparatus according to a fifteenth embodiment.

[0204]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to a sixteenth embodiment.

[0205]FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus which is provided with a projection on a measurementtable and holes in a carrier and a fixing table, in which the projectioncan be inserted.

[0206]FIG. 20 are perspective views of a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to a seventeenth embodiment.

[0207]FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to an eighteenth embodiment.

[0208]FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to a nineteenth embodiment.

[0209]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to a twentieth embodiment.

[0210]FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of a chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus which is provided with a through hole in a fixingtable, which a removal bar can penetrate.

[0211]FIG. 25 are diagrams showing an example of a conventionalchromatography quantitative measuring apparatus.

BEST MODE TO EXECUTE THE INVENTION

[0212] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention willbe described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments describedhere are given only as examples and the present invention is notrestricted to these embodiments.

Embodiment 1

[0213] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 1 to 6 of thepresent invention will be described as a first embodiment with referenceto FIG. 1.

[0214]FIG. 1(a) is a diagram schematically illustrating theconfiguration of a reflective spectrophotometer as the chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG.1(b) is a diagram illustrating the constitution of a chromatography teststrip. In the drawings, the same or corresponding constituent elementsas those shown in FIG. 25 are denoted by the same reference numerals,and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0215] In FIG. 1, numeral 101 denotes a semiconductor laser as a lightsource, numeral 102 denotes a collimator lens which converts a beamemitted form the semiconductor laser 101 into a collimated beam, numeral103 denotes a polarization beam splitter which polarizes the beam thathas passed through the aperture 4, numeral 104 denotes a photodiode Awhich monitors the reference beam 6, and numeral 105 denotes acylindrical lens which leads the beam that has passed through thepolarization beam splitter 103 to the immuno-chromatography test strip8. Numeral 106 denotes a photodiode B which receives the scatteringlight 9 from the immuno-chromatography test strip 8.

[0216] An operation of the so-configured chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus will be described.

[0217] When an inspection target solution is applied to the applicationpart 81 and the sample is developed, a beam is applied to thechromatography test strip 8 from the semiconductor laser 101 in order tomeasure the concentration of an analysis target included in theinspection target solution. The beam emitted from the semiconductorlaser 101 is converted into a collimated beam via the collimator lens102. The wavelength of the semiconductor laser 101 is 635 nm. Thewavelength is so decided for the reason that by this wavelength, therecan be obtained a sufficient difference between absorbance of a goldcolloid as a marker regent and absorbance of blood (erythrocyte) as asample, as well as sufficient absorbance sensitivity of the goldcolloid, and this wavelength is used for an optical disk or the like.

[0218] The collimated beam obtained by the collimator lens 102 is inputto the polarization beam splitter 103 through the aperture 4 (Ø3 mm).This polarization beam splitter 103 is used in order to take advantageof light effectively by utilizing the polarization characteristic of alaser. The beam reflected (separated) at the polarization beam splitter103 is received by the photodiode A 104 as the reference beam 6. On theother hand, the beam transmitted through the polarization beam splitter103 is input to the cylindrical lens 105. By the cylindrical lens 105,the beam is focused only in the direction orthogonal with respect to thewidth of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 (the direction of a longside). As shown in FIG. 1(b), the immuno-chromatography test strip 8described with respect to the first embodiment is approximately 50 mmlong by 5 mm wide, and the detection part 11 thereof is approximately 1mm long. Accordingly, the beam applied in the first embodiment is anelliptical beam 100 which has a major axis of 3 mm and a minor axis of0.4 mm, in consideration of an error in attachment of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8, the accuracy of scanning, and thelike. When the elliptical beam 100 is constituted by the cylindricallens 105, the efficiency in light utilization will be five times as highas that when the elliptical beam 100 is constituted by the aperture 4.

[0219] Then, the scattering light 9 from the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8 is received by the photodiode B 106. The photodiode B 106 isarranged 30 mm apart from the sample with an inclination by 45° withrespect to the axis of the beam applied to the immuno-chromatographytest strip 8. The area of the photodiode B 106 for receiving light is1×10 mm, where the scattering light 9 with power approximately {fraction(1/1000)} as high as the emission power of the semiconductor laser 101is received.

[0220] Outputs from the photodiodes 104 and 106, which have received thereference beam 6 and the scattering light 9 in this way, arerespectively subjected to Log transformation, and a value obtained bydoing subtraction with these Log transformed values is output as anabsorbance signal.

[0221] By the above-described configuration, light is effectivelyutilized by using the laser, whereby a measurement is fairly possiblewith the photodiodes even without any use of photomultiplier tube isused, resulting in a reduction in the cost of the apparatus. There ispreviously obtained a calibration curve indicating a relationshipbetween the difference between the absorbance signal of the base part 84at the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 and the absorbance signal atthe detection part 83, and the concentration of a sample to be measured.By detecting the difference between the absorbance signal at the basepart 84 and that at the detection part 83 where an actual sample isapplied, the concentration of the sample is obtained through thecalibration curve in consideration of a known difference between theabsorbance signal at the base part 84 and that at the detection part 83.In the above-described configuration, the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8 is scanned in the longitudinal direction, thereby measuring thedifference between the absorbance signal at the base part 84 and that atthe detection part 83 with a single beam. Further, also when the beam isscanned by moving the whole optical system, the difference between theabsorbance signal at the base part 84 and that at the detection part 83can be similarly obtained with a single beam.

[0222] Further, influence of non-uniform coloration in the direction ofthe width of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 can be reduced bythe elliptical beam. However, an attention should be paid when the majoraxis of the elliptical beam is 5 mm or more, because the elliptical beam100 might easily protrude the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 due toscanning thereof or the like, which results in an error factor. Further,an attention should be also paid with respect to the fact thatsensitivity of the absorbance is low when the minor axis is 1 mm ormore, and influence of non-uniform coloration is increased when the beamis totally focused, which results in error factor.

[0223] While in FIG. 1 the beam is formed into an elliptical shape byemploying the cylindrical lens 105, the beam may be formed into arectangular shape by employing a rectangular aperture 4 a as shown inFIG. 2, instead of the aperture 4 in FIG. 1, and eliminating thecylindrical lens.

[0224] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the first embodiment, the semiconductor laser 101is employed as a light source, the beam emitted therefrom is formed intoan elliptical shape by an optical means such as the cylindrical lens105, or into a rectangular shape by means of the aperture 4 a, and theelliptically or rectangularly shaped beam is applied to theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 where a sample is applied. Therefore,a part as the light source can be downsized and the cost thereof isreduced. Further, by employing the beam in elliptical shape or the like,influence of non-uniform coloration in the direction of the width of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 can be reduced, thereby enhancing theaccuracy of quantitative analysis.

[0225] Further, the difference between the absorbance signal at the basepart 84 of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 and the absorbancesignal at the detection part 83 can be obtained by scanning the beamover the immuno-chromatography test strip 8, thereby performing aneffective measurement.

Embodiment 2

[0226] Next, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus thatcorresponds to the invention defined in claims 7 and 8 of the presentinvention will be described as a second embodiment with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

[0227]FIG. 2 are cross sectional views of an optical system, areflective spectrophotometer, as the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to the second embodiment, from theviewpoint of the direction in which a sample is developed (FIG. 2(a)),and from the viewpoint of the direction perpendicular to the directionin which the sample is developed (FIG. 2(b)).

[0228] In FIG. 2, a beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 101 isconverted into a collimated beam via the collimator lens 102. Thecollimated beam is input to the polarization beam splitter 103 throughthe aperture 4 a (3×0.4 mm). Then, the beam reflected at thepolarization beam splitter 103 is received by the photodiode A 104 asthe reference beam 6. On the other hand, the beam transmitted throughthe polarization beam splitter 103 is applied to theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8. As described above, theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 according to the second embodiment isalso approximately 50 mm long by 5 mm wide, and the detection part 83thereof is approximately 1 mm long. Accordingly, the beam applied in thesecond embodiment is a rectangular beam 100 which has a longer side of 3mm and a shorter side of 0.4 mm, in consideration of an error inattachment of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8, the accuracy ofscanning, and the like. In the configuration in FIG. 2, at this time,when the direction 107 in which the beam divergence angle of thesemiconductor laser 101 becomes larger is made to correspond todirection of a longer side of the rectangular beam, the direction 108 inwhich the beam divergence angle of the semiconductor laser 101 becomessmaller corresponds to the direction of a shorter side of therectangular beam, resulting in disposition with the highest lightutilization efficiency. Further, since distribution of optical power inthe longer-side direction is smoothed, non-uniform coloration in thedirection of the width of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 isfurther reduced.

[0229] Further, FIG. 3 are cross sectional views of another opticalsystem as a reflective spectrophotometer according to the secondembodiment, from the viewpoint of the direction in which a sample isdeveloped (FIG. 3(a)), and from the viewpoint of the directionperpendicular to the direction in which the sample is developed (FIG.3(b)).

[0230] In FIG. 3, a beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 101 isconverted into a collimated beam via the collimator lens 102. Thecollimated beam is input to the polarization beam splitter 103 throughthe aperture 4 (Ø3 mm). Then, the beam reflected at the polarizationbeam splitter 103 is received by the photodiode A 104 as the referencebeam 6. On the other hand, the beam transmitted through the polarizationbeam splitter 103 is input to the cylindrical lens 105. By thecylindrical lens 105, the beam is focused only in the directionorthogonal with respect to the width (the direction of a long side) ofthe immuno-chromatography test strip 8. As described above, the beam tobe applied is the elliptical beam 100 which has a major axis of 3 mm anda minor axis of 0.4 mm, in consideration of an error in attachment ofthe immuno-chromatography test strip 8, the accuracy of scanning, andthe like. In the configuration in FIG. 3, at this time, when thedirection 107 in which the beam divergence angle of the semiconductorlaser 101 becomes larger is made to correspond to the direction of themajor axis of the elliptical beam, the direction 108 in which the beamdivergence angle of the semiconductor laser 101 becomes smallercorresponds to the direction of the minor axis of the elliptical beam.Therefore, as compared with the configuration shown with respect to thefirst embodiment in FIG. 1, which does not adopt the above-describedconstruction of making the direction 107 in which the beam divergenceangle of the semiconductor laser 101 becomes larger correspond to thedirection of the major axis of the elliptical beam, while there is nodifference in the light utilization efficiency, distribution of opticalpower in the direction of the major axis is smoothed, and thusnon-uniform coloration in the direction of the width of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is further reduced.

[0231] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the second embodiment, the direction 107 in whichthe beam divergence angle of the laser beam emitted from thesemiconductor laser 101 becomes larger is made to correspond to thedirection of a longer side of the beam which is shaped rectangularly byemploying the aperture 4 a, or to the direction of the major axis of thebeam which is shaped elliptically by employing the cylindrical lens 105,and the beam is applied so that the direction of a long side (thedirection of a longer side, or the direction of the major axis) of thebeam is orthogonal with respect to the direction of a long side of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8. Thereby, distribution of opticalpower of the beam in the direction of the major axis is smoothed, andthus non-uniform coloration in the direction of the width of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is further reduced.

Embodiment 3

[0232] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 9 and 10 of thepresent invention will be described as a third embodiment with referenceto FIG. 4.

[0233]FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configurationof a reflective spectrophotometer as the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to the third embodiment. In the drawing,the same or corresponding constituent elements as those shown in FIG. 1are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereofwill be omitted.

[0234] In FIG. 4, numeral 109 denotes a temperature sensor provided inthe vicinity of the semiconductor laser 101, and numeral 110 denotes acalculator which calculates the concentration of a sample from anabsorbance signal that is compensated with reference to output from thetemperature sensor 109. In the calculator 110 for performingcompensation, Log transformation circuits for detecting optical signalsand a circuit that constitutes a difference device for obtaining theconverted concentration of the sample, or the like are integrallyconfigured.

[0235] An operation of the so-configured chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus will be described.

[0236] When an inspection target solution is applied to the applicationpart 81 and the sample is developed, a beam is applied to thechromatography test strip 8 from the semiconductor laser 101 in order tomeasure the concentration of an analysis target included in theinspection target solution. The beam emitted from the semiconductorlaser 101 is converted into a collimated beam via the collimator lens102. The wavelength of the semiconductor laser 101 is 635 nm. Thecollimated beam is input to the polarization beam splitter 103 throughthe aperture 4 (Ø3 mm). The beam reflected at the polarization beamsplitter 103 is received by the photodiode A 104 as the reference beam6. On the other hand, the beam transmitted through the polarization beamsplitter 103 is input to the cylindrical lens 105, and focused only inthe direction orthogonal with respect to the width (the direction of along side) of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 by the cylindricallens 105. Then, the scattering light 9 from the immuno-chromatographytest strip 8 is received by the photodiode B 106. Outputs from thephotodiodes 104 and 106, which have received the reference beam 6 andthe scattering light 9, are respectively subjected to A/D conversion andinput to the calculator 110.

[0237] Here, for example, in a case where a marker reagent is a goldcolloid and a sample is blood (erythrocyte), when the wavelength of thebeam from the semiconductor laser 101 is changed from 635 nm to 655 nm,the absorbance is reduced by approximately 30%. Further, according totemperature change, the wavelength is changed by approximately 0.2 nm/°C. in case of, for example, a commercially available semiconductor laserHL6333MG which is manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd. Thus, a large margin oferror is generated unless compensation.

[0238] As described above, since an error in the absorbance is generateddue to variation of wavelength of the beam, the initial wavelength ofthe semiconductor laser 101 is input to the calculator, and the amountof temperature change is detected by the temperature sensor 109 providedin the vicinity of the semiconductor laser 101 and input to thecalculator. Then, in the calculator 110, outputs from the photodiodes104 and 106 are subjected to Log transformation, and subtraction is donewith these Log transformed values, thereby obtaining an absorbancesignal. At this time, the present wavelength is calculated from theinitial wavelength of the semiconductor laser 101 and the amount oftemperature change, and the absorbance signal is compensated from thispresent wavelength. Finally, the concentration of a sample is obtainedfrom this compensated absorbance signal.

[0239] As described above, the chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus according to the third embodiment includes the temperaturesensor 109 provided in the vicinity of the semiconductor laser 101, andthe calculator 110 which calculates the concentration of a sample bycompensating a value of difference between outputs from the photodiodes104 and 106 on the basis of the output from the temperature sensor 109.Therefore, influence due to hardware configuration and usage environmentis reduced, resulting in a quantitative measurement with fewermeasurement errors.

[0240] Further, the Log transformation circuits for detecting opticalsignals, and the circuits which constitute the difference device forobtaining the converted concentration of the sample, or the like areintegrally configured, thereby reducing the size of the apparatus.

[0241] While in the third embodiment the description has been given ofthe case where the temperature sensor 109 and the calculator 110 areprovided in the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus shown inFIG. 1, the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus shown inFIG. 2 may be also provided with the temperature sensor 109 and thecalculator 110, so that the present wavelength is calculated from theinitial wavelength of the semiconductor laser 101 and the amount oftemperature change, and an absorbance signal is compensated from thispresent wavelength.

Embodiment 4

[0242] Next, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus thatcorresponds to the invention defined in claims 11 to 13 of the presentinvention will be described as a fourth embodiment with reference toFIG. 5.

[0243]FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configurationof a reflective spectrophotometer as the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. In the drawing,the same or corresponding constituent elements as those shown in FIG. 25are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereofwill be omitted.

[0244] In FIG. 5, numeral 111 denotes a concave mirror which condensesthe scattering light 9 from the immuno-chromatography test strip 8.

[0245] An operation of the so-configured chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus will be described.

[0246] When an inspection target solution is applied to the applicationpart 81 and the sample is developed, a beam is applied to thechromatography test strip 8 from the semiconductor laser 101 in order tomeasure the concentration of an analysis target included in theinspection target solution. The beam emitted from the semiconductorlaser 101 is converted into a collimated beam via the collimator lens102. The collimated beam is input to the polarization beam splitter 103through the aperture 4 (Ø3 mm). The beam reflected at the polarizationbeam splitter 103 is received by the photodiode A 104 as the referencebeam 6. On the other hand, the beam transmitted through the polarizationbeam splitter 103 is input to the cylindrical lens 105, and focused onlyin the direction orthogonal with respect to the width (the direction ofa long side) of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 by thecylindrical lens 105. Then, the scattering light 9 from theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is received by the photodiode B 106.At this time, the concave mirror 111 condenses a scattering light fromthe immuno-chromatography test strip 8 which goes in the oppositedirection of a scattering light that goes toward the photodiode B 106,with the laser beam input from the semiconductor laser 101 to theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 as an axis of symmetry, on thephotodiode B 106.

[0247] The photodiode B 106 is arranged 30 mm apart from the sample withan inclination by 45° with respect to the axis of the beam applied tothe immuno-chromatography test strip 8. The area of the photodiode B 106for receiving light is 10×10 mm, where the scattering light 9 with powerapproximately {fraction (1/1000)} as high as the emission power of thesemiconductor laser 101 is received. Outputs from the photodiodes A 104and B 106, which have received the reference beam 6 and the scatteringlight 9, are respectively subjected to Log transformation, and theresult of subtraction with these Log transformed values is output as anabsorbance signal, as described in FIG. 1. There is previously obtaineda calibration curve indicating a relationship between the differencebetween the absorbance signal at the base part 84 of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 and the absorbance signal at thedetection part 83, and the concentration of sample to be measured. Bydetecting the difference between the absorbance signal at the base part84 and that at the detection part 83 where an actual sample is applied,the concentration of the sample is obtained through the calibrationcurve in consideration of a known difference between the absorbancesignal at the base part 84 and that at the detection part 83. At thistime, the reference beam 6 has a beam diameter of Ø3 mm, and thus thearea of the photodiode A 104 for receiving light may be approximately5×5 mm, resulting in a photodiode that is lower in price than thephotodiode B 106. Further, by using the concave mirror 111, thescattering light 9 can be condensed more effectively, resulting in ameasurement of the absorbance with a higher S/N ratio.

[0248] As described above, the chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus according to the fourth embodiment is provided with theconcave mirror 111, so that, among the scattering light 9 from theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8, a scattering light which goes in thesymmetrical direction with respect to the direction of the photodiode B106, with the optical axis of the semiconductor laser as an axis ofsymmetry, is effectively condensed on the photodiode B 106. Therefore, ameasurement of the absorbance with a higher S/N ratio can be performed.

[0249] While in the fourth embodiment the description has been giventaking the case where the area of the photodiode A 104 for receivinglight is reduced and the concave mirror 111 is provided in thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 1, as anexample, the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus shown inFIG. 2 is similarly applicable.

Embodiment 5

[0250] Next, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus thatcorresponds to the invention defined in claim 14 of the presentinvention will be described as a fifth embodiment with reference to FIG.6.

[0251]FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configurationof a reflective spectrophotometer as the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment in the drawing,the same or corresponding constituent elements as those shown in FIG. 25are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereofwill be omitted.

[0252] In FIG. 6, numeral 112 denotes a condensing lens for effectivelycondensing the scattering light 9 from the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8 on a photodiode B 106 a that is smaller than the above-describedphotodiode B 106.

[0253] An operation of the so-configured chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus will be described.

[0254] When an inspection target solution is applied to the applicationpart 81 and the sample is developed, a beam is applied to thechromatography test strip 8 from the semiconductor laser 101 in order tomeasure the concentration of an analysis target included in theinspection target solution. The beam emitted from the semiconductorlaser 101 is converted into a collimated beam via the collimator lens102. The collimated beam is input to the polarization beam splitter 103through the aperture 4 (Ø3 mm). The beam reflected at the polarizationbeam splitter 103 is received by the photodiode A 104 as the referencebeam 6. On the other hand, the beam transmitted through the polarizationbeam splitter 103 is input to the cylindrical lens 105, and focused onlyin the direction orthogonal with respect to the direction of a long sideof the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 by the cylindrical lens 105.Then, the scattering light 9 from the immuno-chromatography test strip 8is received by the photodiode B 106 a. At this time, the condensing lens112 is arranged in front of the photodiode B 106 a, and the scatteringlight 9 is effectively condensed by this condensing lens 112.

[0255] Outputs from the photodiodes A 104 and B 106 a, which havereceived the reference beam 6 and the scattering light 9, arerespectively subjected to Log transformation, and the result ofsubtraction with these Log transformed values is output as an absorbancesignal, as described in FIG. 1. There is previously obtained acalibration curve indicating a relationship between the differencebetween the absorbance signal at the base part 84 of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 and the absorbance signal at thedetection part 83, and the concentration of a sample to be measured. Bydetecting the difference between the absorbance signal at the base part84, that at the detection part 83, and that at the detection part 83where an actual sample is applied, the concentration of the sample isobtained through the calibration curve in consideration of a knowndifference between the absorbance at the base part 84 and that at thedetection part 83.

[0256] As described above, the chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus according to the fifth embodiment is provided with thecondensing lens 112 which effectively condenses a scattering light thatgoes toward the photodiode B 106 a, among the scattering light 9 fromthe immuno-chromatography test strip 8, on the photodiode B 106 a.Therefore, the area of the photodiode B 106 a for receiving light, thatis, the size of the photodiode B 106 a can be reduced without decreasein the amount of light received by the photodiode B 106 a, whereby a lowcost photodiode can be adopted, resulting in a reduction in the cost andsize of the apparatus.

[0257] Further, by reducing the areas of the photodiode A 104 andphotodiode B 106 a for receiving lights, a speed of response of thephotodiodes can be improved, and thus a speed of scanning of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is improved, thereby shortening ameasurement time.

[0258] While in the fifth embodiment the description has been giventaking the case where the condensing lens 112 is provided and the areaof the photodiode B 106 is reduced in the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus shown in FIG. 1, as an example, the chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatuses shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be alsoprovided with the condensing lens 112 between the photodiode B 106 forreceiving a scattering light and the immuno-chromatography test strip 8,so that the scattering light 9 is received effectively.

Embodiment 6

[0259] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 15 to 19 of thepresent invention will be described as a sixth embodiment with referenceto FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0260]FIG. 7 are diagrams schematically illustrating the configurationof the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to thesixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7(a) is a diagramschematically illustrating the configuration of the measuring apparatus,and FIG. 7(b) is a diagram illustrating the constitution of achromatography test strip.

[0261] In FIG. 7(a), a beam emitted from a semiconductor laser 201 isconverted into a collimated beam by passing through a collimator lens202. The collimated beam is input to a beam splitter 203 through theaperture 4. Here, a part of the optical beam reflected at the beamsplitter 203 is received by a first photodiode 204 as the reference beam6. On the other hand, the rest of the optical beam that is transmittedthrough the beam splitter 203 is condensed by a cylindrical lens 205only in the direction of a longer side of the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8, and applied to the chromatography test strip 8 as an ellipticalbeam 211. Further, the scattering light 9 is generated from the surfaceof the chromatography test strip 8 and received by a second photodiode206.

[0262] Next, outputs from the first photodiode 204 which has receivedthe reference beam 6 and the second photodiode 206 which has receivedthe scattering light 9 are respectively subjected to Log transformation,and a value obtained by subtracting a Log transformed value for thesecond photodiode 206 from a Log transformed value for the firstphotodiode 204 is output as an absorbance signal.

[0263] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the chromatography test strip 8 comprisesthe application part 81 where an inspection target solution is applied,the marker reagent hold part 82 which holds a marker reagent which canbe eluted by development of the inspection target solution, a base part84 where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution, and a detection part 83 where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized.

[0264] An operation of the so-configured chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0265] First, when an inspection target solution is applied to theapplication part 81, the inspection target solution is developed. Atthis time, when the inspection target solution reaches the markerreagent hold part 82, a marker reagent is eluted and specifically bondedto an analysis target included in the inspection target solution. Then,this bounded material is immobilized at the detection part 83, and anon-immobilized residual marker reagent flows downstream in thedirection of the development, without being immobilized.

[0266] By detecting the difference between the absorbance signal at thedetection part 83 of the chromatography test strip 8 and the absorbancesignal at the base part 84, the concentration of the analysis targetincluded in the inspection target solution can be converted through aknown calibration curve.

[0267] Here, by scanning the chromatography test strip 8 in thelonger-side direction, the difference between the absorbance signal atthe base part 84 and that at the detection part 83 can be measured witha single beam. Further, since the optical beam is elliptical, influenceof non-uniform coloration according to positions in the direction of ashorter side of the chromatography test strip 8 is reduced.

[0268] Next, a description will be given of a measurement of theabsorbance.

[0269]FIG. 8 are diagrams illustrating the measurement of the absorbanceon the chromatography test strip according to the sixth embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 8(a) illustrates a state where theinspection target solution is developed on the chromatography test strip8 and a position where the optical beam is applied. FIG. 8(b)illustrates a change in absorbance signal with respect to a measurementtime.

[0270] The chromatography test strip 8 is attached to the measuringapparatus, and an inspection target solution 212 is applied to theapplication part 81. With development of the inspection target solution212, an analysis target included in the inspection target solution 212is carried away, while being bounded to an eluted marker reagent, and abounded material is immobilized at the detection part 83. When theabsorbance is measured in a state where the optical beam 211 iscontinuously applied to the detection part 83, an absorbance signal 221fluctuates sharply due to passing of the marker reagent, then risesgradually, and falls gradually again as the inspection target solutionis dried.

[0271] In order to reduce an error in the measurement of the absorbance,the optical beam 211 is kept being applied between the marker reagenthold part 82 and the downstream end of the base part 84, a change inabsorbance due to the elution of the marker reagent is detected, and ameasurement is automatically started after passage of prescribed periodof time since the detection of the change in absorbance.

[0272] The above-mentioned prescribed period of time could affect aspeed of development of the inspection target solution according totemperature and humidity around the measuring apparatus. Then,temperature and humidity are monitored from when the marker reagent iseluted with the development of the inspection target solution until whenthe concentration of the analysis target is measured, therebycompensating the prescribed period of time. Further, the optical beam isrepeatedly lighted and extinguished alternately while the development ofthe inspection target solution is detected. Or, a time to detect thedevelopment of the inspection target solution is predicted, and theoptical beam is extinguished until shortly before the predicted arrivaltime. Or, output of the optical beam is set lower than that atmeasurement while the development of the inspection target solution isdetected.

[0273] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the sixth embodiment, the inspection targetsolution is applied to the chromatography test strip 8, and theconcentration of the analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution is measured after a prescribed period of time since the elutionof the marker reagent, which accompanies the development of theinspection target solution, is detected. Therefore, an inspector doesnot need to manage time manually, and a used test strip where a markerreagent is already eluted can be discriminated because the measurementis performed after the elution of the marker reagent is detected.

[0274] Further, surrounding temperature and humidity are monitored, sothat time from when the elution of the marker reagent is detected untilwhen the measurement is performed is compensated, thereby reducinginfluence of surrounding temperature and humidity on a variation inspeed of development of the inspection target solution on thechromatography test strip.

[0275] Furthermore, the optical beam is repeatedly lighted andextinguished alternately while the development of the inspection targetsolution is detected. Or, a time to detect the development of theinspection target solution is predicted, and the optical beam isextinguished until shortly before the predicted arrival time. Or, laseroutput is set lower than that at measurement while the development ofthe inspection target solution on the chromatography test strip isdetected. Or, the above-described methods are combined. Therefore, it ispossible to prevent deterioration in performance of the chromatographytest strip, which accompanies temperature rise at a part for applying alaser to the chromatography test strip.

[0276] While in the sixth embodiment the description has been given ofthe detection of the elution of the marker reagent, the same effect willbe also achieved when the development of the inspection target solutionitself is detected.

Embodiment 7

[0277] Next, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus thatcorresponds to the invention defined in claims 20 to 23 of the presentinvention will be described as a seventh embodiment with reference toFIG. 9.

[0278]FIG. 9 are diagrams illustrating a measurement of absorbance on achromatography test strip according to the seventh embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 9(a) illustrates a state where the inspectiontarget solution is developed on the chromatography test strip 8 and aposition where an optical beam is applied. FIG. 9(b) is an enlarged viewillustrating a sharp rise in a change in absorbance in a state where theoptical beam is kept being applied according to the seventh embodimentof the present invention.

[0279] The optical beam 211 is kept being applied between the markerreagent hold part 82 and the detection part 83. The absorbance signal atthis time increases monotonously with elution of the marker reagent.

[0280] By obtaining inclination θ of absorbance signal with respect totime variation, a speed of development of the inspection target solution212 is calculated, and it is judged from the speed of developmentwhether performance of the chromatography test strip is high or low. Or,the optical beam is scanned so that a value of rise in absorbance, whichis due to the elution of the marker reagent, is kept constant, the speedof development of the inspection target solution 212 is calculated froma speed of scanning, and it is judged from the speed of developmentwhether the performance of the chromatography test strip 8 is high orlow.

[0281] Further, a discrimination value of the speed of development iscompensated from a result of measuring at least one of surroundingtemperature and humidity at the development of the inspection targetsolution on the chromatography test strip 8.

[0282] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the seventh embodiment, a speed of development ofthe inspection target solution after it is applied is detected, and itis judged from the speed of development whether performance of thechromatography test strip 8 is high or low. Therefore, it is possible tojudge whether there is a defect such as abnormal clogging on thechromatography test strip 8.

[0283] Further, since the speed of development of the inspection targetsolution is calculated after the detection of time variation of value ofa detection signal, which is generated by the elution of the markerreagent that accompanies the development of the inspection targetsolution, it is possible to judge whether there is a defect such asabnormal clogging on the chromatography test strip 8.

[0284] Furthermore, since the optical beam is scanned so that a value ofthe detection signal, which is generated by the elution of the markerreagent that accompanies the development of the inspection targetsolution, is kept constant, and the speed of development of theinspection target solution is calculated from a speed of scanning withthe optical beam, it is possible to judge whether there is a defect suchas abnormal clogging on the chromatography test strip 8.

[0285] Moreover, since a discrimination value of the speed ofdevelopment is compensated from the result of measuring at least one ofsurrounding temperature and humidity at the development of theinspection target solution, it is possible to prevent an erroneousjudgement as to whether performance of the chromatography test strip ishigh or low, which is due to influence of temperature or humidity.

Embodiment 8

[0286] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 24 to 26 of thepresent invention will be described as an eighth embodiment withreference to FIG. 10.

[0287]FIG. 10 are diagrams showing results of measuring absorbances onthe chromatography test strip 8 according to the eighth embodiment ofthe present invention, when different inspection target solutions areemployed. FIG. 10(a) illustrates a state of scanning of an optical beamon the chromatography test strip 8. FIG. 10(b) shows changes ofabsorbance signals with respect to the position of the optical beam.

[0288] On the chromatography test strip 8, the optical beam 211 isscanned down to a downstream base part 84 b, after passing through thedetection part 83 from an upstream base part 84 a. The absorbancesignals at this time differ according to kinds of inspection targetsolutions. For example, with respect to a whole blood sample and a bloodplasma sample, the whole blood sample totally has a higher absorbance.Further, the absorbance at the base part 84 is constant regardless ofthe concentration of an analysis target included in the inspectiontarget solution.

[0289] A signal detection position for discriminating a kind ofinspection target solution is downstream of the detection part 83, andthe absorbance at the base part 84 is detected and compared with a knownabsorbance that corresponds to the kind of each inspection targetsolution. Further, the kind of inspection target solution isdiscriminated from the absorbance at the base part 84, and a calibrationcurve corresponding to that kind is selected, thereby converting theconcentration of the analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution.

[0290] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the eighth embodiment, a kind of inspectiontarget solution is discriminated from the detection signal at the basepart 84 on the chromatography test strip 8 where the inspection targetsolution is applied. Therefore, the kind of inspection target solutionthat is applied to the chromatography test strip 8 can be discriminated.

[0291] Further, since the base part 84 where the detection signal ismeasured is downstream of the detection part 83 in the direction ofdevelopment, it is possible to prevent an discrimination of a kind ofinspection target solution, which is due to influences of a markerreagent that is liable to remain at the base part 84 a upstream of thedetection part 83 as compared with the base part 84 b downstreamthereof.

[0292] Furthermore, since the kind of inspection target solution isdiscriminated from the detection signal at the base part 84, and acalibration curve corresponding to the inspection target solution can beselected previously, when plural kinds of inspection target solutionsare measured, a user does not need to manually input a kind ofinspection target solution to the apparatus, resulting in an automaticmeasurement.

Embodiment 9

[0293] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 27 and 28 of thepresent invention will be described as a ninth embodiment with referenceto FIG. 11.

[0294]FIG. 11 are diagrams illustrating streams of an inspection targetsolution on a chromatography test strip according to the ninthembodiment of the present invention.

[0295]FIG. 11(a) shows a case where the inspection target solution 212is sufficiently applied to the application part 81. The appliedinspection target solution 212 is developed on the chromatography teststrip 8 over the marker reagent hold part 82, the upstream base part 84a, the detection part 83, and the downstream base part 84 b,respectively, and reaches an end part that is further downstream of thedownstream base part 84 b.

[0296]FIG. 11(b) shows a case where the inspection target solution 212applied to the application part 81 is insufficient. The appliedinspection target solution 212 does not reach the end part downstream ofthe downstream base part 84 b.

[0297] Then, an optical beam is applied to the end part downstream ofthe downstream base part 84 b, and a value of a detection signalobtained in that case is judged. Further, in, order to measure theconcentration of an analysis target, the same optical beam as theoptical beam 211 that is scanned in the vicinity of the detection part83 is further scanned down to the end part downstream of the downstreambase part 84 b.

[0298] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the ninth embodiment, deficiency in the amount ofinspection target solution applied, and insufficient development on thechromatography test strip 8 are judged from the detection signalobtained by applying the optical beam to the end part downstream of thedownstream base part 84 b on the chromatography test strip 8 where theinspection target solution is applied. Therefore, it is possible todetect deficiency in the amount of the inspection target solution 212applied to the chromatography test strip 8, and insufficient developmenton the chromatography test strip 8 which is generated by clogging or thelike.

[0299] Further, since the optical beam as is scanned down to the endpart that is downstream of the base part 84 on the chromatography teststrip 8, no new light source is required to detect deficiency in theamount of inspection target solution applied and insufficientdevelopment on the chromatography test strip 8, thereby restrainingincrease in the size and cost of the apparatus that accompany additionof the function.

Embodiment 10

[0300] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claim 29 of the presentinvention will be described as a tenth embodiment with reference to FIG.12.

[0301]FIG. 12 are diagrams illustrating a measurement of absorbance on achromatography test strip according to the tenth embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 12(a) illustrates a state of scanning of anoptical on the chromatography test strip 8, and FIG. 12(b) shows avariation of absorbance signal with respect to the position of theoptical beam.

[0302] On the chromatography test strip 8, the optical beam 211 isscanned down to the downstream base part 84 b, after passing through thedetection part 83 from the upstream base part 84 a.

[0303] With a value of absorbance at a position where influence ofabsorbance of a marker reagent immobilized at the detection part 83 isnot exerted, that is, a position U, which is downstream of a position Twhere the absorbance signal 221 has a peak value, by a distance D, as astandard, the absorbance corresponding to the concentration of ananalysis target is obtained as a value E, which is a between the valueof absorbance at the position U and that at the peak position T at thattime. In other words, though the value of absorbance at the peakposition T includes absorption components of the inspection targetsolution itself, and this produces an error in a measurement of theabsorbance of the marker reagent immobilized at the detection part 83,an influence of this error can be removed by taking the value ofabsorbance at the position U, (which corresponds to the absorptioncomponents of the inspection target solution itself) as a standard.Further, since the standard position is the position U that is notupstream but downstream of the detection part 83, it is possible toremove an error (F in FIG. 12(b)) in a measurement of the absorbance,which is due to a marker reagent liable to remain at the upstream basepart 84 a.

[0304] As described above, according to the chromatography test strip ofthe tenth embodiment, when a detection signal at a position which isdownstream of the detection part 83 on the chromatography test strip 8in the direction in which the inspection target solution is developed,where influence of the detection part 83 is not exerted, is a standardvalue, the detection signal at the detection part 83 is a signal fordetecting the concentration to be measured. Therefore, it is possible toreduce an influence of an error in a measurement of the absorbance,which is due to a marker reagent liable to remain at the base part 84 aupstream of the detection part 83 as compared with the base part 84 bdownstream thereof.

Embodiment 11

[0305] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 30 and 31 of thepresent invention will be described as an eleventh embodiment withreference to FIG. 13.

[0306]FIG. 13 are diagrams illustrating a measurement of absorbance on achromatography test strip according to the eleventh embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 13(a) illustrates a state of scanning of anoptical beam on the chromatography test strip 8, and FIG. 13(b)illustrates a state where a sharp electrical noise 222 is added to avariation of absorbance signal with respect to the position of theoptical beam.

[0307] On the chromatography test strip 8, the optical beam 211 isscanned down to the downstream base part 84 b, after passing through thedetection part 83 from the upstream base part 84 a. At this time, dataof the absorbance signal 221 is stored at intervals G in which a smoothvariation is sufficiently detected.

[0308] The electrical noise 222 added to the absorbance signal 221 isgenerated from a power (such as a switching power) applied to anelectric circuit, or a circuit for performing digital processing, andindicates a considerably sharp variation as compared with a scanningspeed of the optical beam 211.

[0309] When values at the peak position T of the absorbance signal 221and at the position U which is downstream of the position T by thedistance D are to be obtained, average values of several data in thevicinity of the respective positions are applied thereto. Further, whenthe values at the peak position T of the absorbance signal 221 and atthe position U which is downstream of the position T by the distance Dare to be obtained, intermediate values (values of data that are locatedin the middle of respective data arranged in the order of size) ofseveral data in the vicinity of the respective positions are appliedthereto.

[0310] Further, the number of data for obtaining the above-describedaverage values and intermediate values are defined within a range sothat the reading of the smooth variation of the absorbance signal 221 isnot disturbed.

[0311] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the eleventh embodiment, the detection signal atthe detection part 83 has an average value of values about an extremevalue, and a detection signal as a standard value has an average valueof values in the vicinity of a position downstream of the detection part83 in the direction in which the inspection target solution isdeveloped, where influence of the detection part 83 is not exerted.Therefore, even when the electrical noise 222 is accidentally added tothe detection signal, an influence on the result of calculation forobtaining the concentration of an analysis target can be reduced.

[0312] Further, the detection signal at the detection part 83 has anintermediate value of values about an extreme value, and the detectionsignal as a standard has an intermediate value of values in the vicinityof a position downstream of the detection part 83 in the direction inwhich the inspection target solution is developed, where influence ofthe detection part 83 is not exerted. Therefore, even when theelectrical noise 222 is accidentally added to the absorbance signal 221,an influence on the result of calculation for obtaining theconcentration of an analysis target can be further reduces as comparedwith the case where the average value is employed.

Embodiment 12

[0313] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 32 and 33 of thepresent invention will be described as a twelfth embodiment withreference to FIG. 14.

[0314]FIG. 14 are diagrams illustrating a measurement of absorbance onthe chromatography test strip 8 according to the twelfth embodiment ofthe present invention. FIG. 14(a) illustrates a state of scanning of anoptical beam on the chromatography test strip 8, and FIG. 14(b)illustrates a state where optical noises 223 and 224 are added to avariation of absorbance signal with respect to the position of theoptical beam. FIG. 14(c) shows a normal variation of absorbance signalwith respect to the position of the optical beam.

[0315] On the chromatography test strip 8, the optical beam 211 isscanned down to the downstream base part 84 b, after passing through thedetection part 83 from the upstream base part 84 a. At this time, dataof the absorbance signal 221 is stored at intervals G in which a smoothvariation is sufficiently detected. Further, there are obtained anamount K of variation of the absorbance signal 221, which is previouslymeasured on the normal chromatography test strip 8, in the vicinity ofthe peak position T (interval I), and an amount L of variation of theabsorbance signal 221 in the vicinity of the downstream position U(interval J), and values of K+α and L+α (α is tolerance for noisecomponents) are stored as discrimination values at the respectivepositions.

[0316] The optical noises 223 and 224 added to the absorbane signal aregenerated by non-uniform immobilization of a marker reagent (alias,non-uniform coloration) at the detection part 83, non-uniformdevelopment of the marker reagent due to clogging at the downstream basepart 84, a flaw on the surface of the chromatography test strip 8, orthe like. The optical noises 223 and 224 disturb a smooth variation ofthe absorbance signal 221, and makes a normal measurement of theabsorbance impossible according to the noise level.

[0317] Then, a comparison is made of values in the vicinity of the peakposition T (interval I) of the absorbance signal 221, and when thedifference between the maximum value and the minimum value exceeds thediscrimination value, the chromatography test strip 8 is judged to below in performance. Further, a comparison is made of values in thevicinity of the position U, which is downstream of the peak position Tof the absorbance signal 221 by the distance D, (interval J), and whenthe difference between the maximum value and the minimum value exceedsthe discrimination value, the chromatography test strip 8 is judged tobe low in performance.

[0318] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the twelfth embodiment, a comparison is made ofthe values about the extreme value of the detection signal, and when thedifference therebetween exceeds the discrimination value, thechromatography test strip 8 is judged to be low in performance.Therefore, it is possible to avoid an erroneous measurement duenon-uniform immobilization of the marker reagent at the detection part83, a flaw on the surface of the chromatography test strip 8, or thelike.

[0319] Further, a comparison is made of the values in the vicinity ofthe position downstream of the detection part 83 on the chromatographytest strip 8 in the direction of development, where influence of thedetection part 83 is not exerted, and when the difference therebetweenexceeds the discrimination value, the chromatography test strip 8 isjudged to be low in performance. Therefore, it is possible to avoid anerroneous measurement due to non-uniform development of the inspectiontarget solution by clogging at the base part 84, a flaw on the surfaceof the chromatography test strip 8, or the like.

Embodiment 13

[0320] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 34 to 37 of thepresent invention will be described as a thirteenth embodiment withreference to FIG. 15.

[0321]FIG. 15 illustrates a state of scanning of an optical beam on thechromatography test strip 8 according to the thirteenth embodiment ofthe present invention, as well as a variation of absorbance signal withrespect to the position of the optical beam.

[0322] A marker reagent remains at the marker reagent hold part 82 evenafter it is passed by an inspection target solution. Accordingly, in ameasurement of a low-level analysis target, when the optical beam 211 isscanned from a position upstream of the marker reagent hold part 82,there are cases where the absorbance of the marker reagent remaining atthe marker regent hold part 82 has a place in the peak position.Further, since the residual marker reagent at the marker reagent holdpart 82 is uniformly distributed, an absorbance signal 225 in thisregion is a flat signal.

[0323] Then, in order to avoid an erroneous recognition of the peakposition, the optical beam 211 is scanned from the position of theupstream base part 84 a excluding the marker reagent hold part 82, and ameasurement is started. Or, the flat absorbance signal 225 is detected,and discriminated from the absorbance at the peak position T whichcorresponds to the detection part 83.

[0324] Further, width H of the marker reagent hold part 83 is obtainedfrom the width of the flat absorbance signal 225, and the obtained widthH is compared with a prescribed width. Further, a value of the flatabsorbance signal 225 is detected, and the amount of residual markerreagent is obtained.

[0325] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the thirteenth embodiment, at measurement of theconcentration, since a measurement is performed on the chromatographytest strip 8 exclusive of the marker reagent hold part 82, a measurementvalue of absorbance at the marker reagent hold part 82 is not included,whereby no erroneous recognition of the absorbance peak position occurs,resulting in a normal detection of the concentration of an analysistarget.

[0326] Further, the region on the chromatography test strip 8 where thevalue of the detection signal is flat is taken as the region of themarker reagent hold part 82, whereby no erroneous recognition of theabsorbance peak position occurs, resulting in a normal detection of theconcentration of an analysis target.

[0327] Further, the width of the region on the chromatography test strip8 where the value of the detection signal is flat is calculated, and thecalculated width is compared with a prescribed width of the markerreagent hold part 82, so that the amount of marker reagent held can beconfirmed, whereby it is possible to judge whether the chromatographytest strip 8 is low in performance.

[0328] Further, the value in the region on the chromatography test strip8 where the detection signal is flat is detected, and the amount ofresidual marker reagent is confirmed from the value, whereby it ispossible to confirm whether the marker reagent has flown normally ornot.

Embodiment 14

[0329] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 38 and 39 of thepresent invention will be described as a fourteenth embodiment withreference to FIG. 16.

[0330]FIG. 16 illustrates a state of scanning of an optical beam on thechromatography test strip 8 according to the fourteenth embodiment ofthe present invention, as well as a variation of absorbance signal 221with respect to the position of the optical beam.

[0331] A marker reagent remains at the marker reagent hold part 82 evenafter it is passed by an inspection target solution. Accordingly, in ameasurement of a low-level analysis target, when the optical beam 211 isscanned from the position of the marker reagent hold part 82, there arecases where the absorbance of the marker reagent remaining at the markerregent hold part 82 has a place in the peak position.

[0332] Then, a rise part 226 and a fall part 227 are detected from avariation in inclination of the absorbance signal 211, and the maximumposition in an area between the rise part 226 and the fall part 227 isrecognized as the peak position T.

[0333] Further, an interval between the rise part 226 and the fall part227 is obtained, and the obtained interval is compared with a prescribedwidth of the detection part 83.

[0334] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the fourteenth embodiment, the rise part 226 andthe fall part 227 of the detection signal are recognized, and theextreme value of the detection signal is obtained, whereby no erroneousrecognition of the absorbance peak position occurs, resulting in anormal detection of the concentration of an analysis target.

[0335] Further, the rise part 226 and the fall part 227 of the detectionsignal are recognized, an interval between the rise part 226 and thefall part 227 is calculated, and the size of the interval is comparedwith a prescribed width of the detection part 83, thereby confirming thewidth of the detection part 83. Therefore, it is possible to judgewhether the chromatography test strip is low in performance.

Embodiment 15

[0336] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 40 to 43 of thepresent invention will be described as a fifteenth embodiment withreference to FIG. 17.

[0337]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to the fifteenth embodiment.

[0338] In FIG. 17, numeral 1 denotes a light source, which emits a beam.Numeral 5 denotes a glass plate. Numeral 301 denotes a light receivingelement, which receives a beam reflected at the glass plate 5. Numeral302 denotes a light receiving element, which receives a beam that istransmitted through the glass plate 5 and reflected at the detectionpart 83 of an immuno-chromatography test strip 8. Numeral 8 denotes theimmuno-chromatography test strip, which comprises a development layer 85where an applied inspection target solution permeates and a carrier 86that holds the development layer 85, and is approximately 50 mm long by5 mm wide.

[0339] The development layer 85 comprises an application part 81 wherethe inspection target solution is applied, a marker reagent hold part 82which has a marker reagent that specifically causes a binding reactionwith a measurement target included in the inspection target solution, adetection part 83 which has a reagent for immobilizing a specificallybounded material of the measurement target and the marker reagent, and abase part 84 which is located at a prescribed distance from thedetection part 83 in order to avoid occurrence of an error in absorbancesignal due to the bounded material that is not immobilized at thedetection part 83. The development layer 85 is made of a membrane filteras a material that can be penetrated by the inspection target solution.In addition to the membrane filter, any arbitrary materials which can bepenetrated by the inspection target solution, such as glass fiber filterpaper and a nonwoven fabric, can be employed as a material used for thedevelopment layer 85.

[0340] The carrier 86 is made of a PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) as amaterial which is not permeated by the inspection target solution. Inaddition to the PET, any arbitrary materials which is not penetrated bythe inspection target solution, such as an ABS, can be employed as amaterial used for the carrier 86. By dropping an inspection targetsolution to the so-constituted immuno-chromatography test strip 8, ameasurement target included in the inspection target solution can bemeasured.

[0341] Numeral 311 denotes a fixing table, which holds theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8. The fixing table 311 can be usedrepeatedly at quantitative measurement, and the immuno-chromatographytest strip 8 can be reattached thereto after a quantitative measurement.Thus, there is no necessity of a conventional hard case, therebyreducing the cost and minimizing a storage space for components requiredfor the quantitative measurement.

[0342] Numeral 312 denotes a measurement table, which holds the fixingtable 311. At this time, the measurement table 312 is provided with agroove for positioning the fixing table 311. Thereby, the fixing table311 can be accurately attached to the measurement table 312. Further, byconstructing the measurement table 312 so that it can be scanned, aquantitative measurement is performed by scanning a beam in the areadown to the detection part 83 and the base part 84. Thereby, theabsorbance signal at the detection part 83 and the base part 84 can beobtained. Here, the beam applied to the immuno-chromatography test strip8 may be shaped circularly, elliptically, or rectangularly. Further, itis desirable that the beam is shaped so as to be applied to the wholedetection part 83.

[0343] Numeral 313 denotes a fixing table carrier, which is movablyattached to the measurement table 312 and employed to fix the fixingtable 311 on the measurement table 312.

[0344] A description will be given of a quantitative measurement on thechromatography test strip 8 employing the so-configured chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus.

[0345] First, an inspection target solution is applied to theapplication part 81 of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8. Theapplied inspection target solution is developed on the development layer85. When a measurement target is included in the applied inspectiontarget solution, at the marker reagent hold part 82, the measurementtarget included in the inspection target solution specifically causes abinding reaction with a marker reagent held at the marker reagent holdpart 82. Then, the measurement target specifically bonded to the markerreagent, that is, a bounded material is immobilized at the detectionpart 83. At this time, discoloring reaction is caused with a width ofapproximately 1 mm. The concentration at a discoloration part and theconcentration of the measurement target are in proportion. Theinspection target solution passing through the detection part 83permeates the development layer 85 to be absorbed therein.

[0346] When the development of the inspection target solution iscompleted, a beam is emitted from the light source 1, and the emittedbeam is input to the glass plate 5. The beam reflected at the glassplate 5 is input to the light receiving element 301 as a reference beam.On the other hand, the beam transmitted through the glass plate 5 isapplied to the immuno-chromatography test strip 8. At this time, ascattering light generated on the surface of the development layer 85 isdetected by the light receiving element 302. Then, the reference beamand the scattering light detected by the light receiving element 301 andthe light receiving element 302 are respectively subjected to Logtransformation, and the result of subtraction with these Log transformedvalues is obtained as an absorbance signal.

[0347] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the fifteenth embodiment, a measurement operationcan be performed without the inspection target solution adhering to thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus, and theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 can be easily attached to thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus. Further, the beam canbe accurately applied to the area down to the detection part 83 and thebase part 84. Furthermore, a measurement can be performed solely withthe immuno-chromatography test strip 8, so that there is no need to putthe chromatography test strip 8 in a case individually, thereby reducingthe cost for the casing and minimizing a storage space.

Embodiment 16

[0348] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 44 to 53 of thepresent invention will be described as a sixteenth embodiment withreference to FIG. 18.

[0349] The difference from the fifteenth embodiment is that the carrier86 and the fixing table 311 are provided with a hole 320 and aprojection 321, respectively, so that the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8 can be easily and more accurately attached to the fixing table311. The quantitative measuring method with the immuno-chromatographytest strip 8 has been described with respect to the fifteenthembodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0350]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to the sixteenth embodiment. In thedrawing, the same or corresponding constituent elements as those shownin FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof will be omitted.

[0351] In FIG. 18, numeral 320 denotes the hole, which is provided inthe carrier 86 of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8. While the hole320 has a round shape, it may has a rectangular shape. When the hole 320has a rectangular shape, a side or plural sides of the rectangle isemployed for positioning of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8, sothat it can be attached to the fixing table 311 more accurately.Further, when the hole 320 is provided in the carrier 86 at a positiondownstream in the direction in which the inspection target solution isdeveloped, the inspection target solution is prevented from adhering tothe hole 320 and the projection 321 during application of the inspectiontarget solution. Furthermore, when the hole 320 is providedasymmetrically with respect to the center line of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 in the longer-side direction, theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is prevented from being erroneouslyattached to the fixing table 311 inside out.

[0352] Numeral 321 denotes the projection, which is provided on thefixing table 311 in the shape same as that of the hole 320 or a shapehaving a diameter slightly smaller than the that of the hole 320. Thisprojection 321 may be provided on the measurement table 312. In thiscase, as shown in FIG. 19, a hole with the shape same as that of thehole 320 is provided in the fixing table 311, and the projection 321provided on the measurement table 312 penetrates the holes in the fixingtable 311 and the carrier 86, so that the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8 is easily attached to the fixing table 311 and accuratelyattached to the measurement table 312. At this time, it is desirablethat the end of the projection 321 is inclined.

[0353] Numeral 322 denotes a guide for positioning the carrier 86, whichis provided on the fixing table 311. The guide 322 is the same in widthas the carrier 86 or slightly wider than the carrier 86. Theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is held on the fixing table 311 withthe carrier 86 following the shape of the guide 322. Here, when thecarrier 86 is larger than the development layer 85, it is the carrier 86that gets contact with the guide 322, whereby the development layer 85is prevented from being stripped off and adhering to the guide 322 in adetachment operation. Further, when the end faces of the guide 322 areinclined, the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 is easily attached tothe fixing table 311.

[0354] As described above, according to the chromatography measuringdevice of the sixteenth embodiment, the carrier 86 is larger than thedevelopment layer 85, so that it is the carrier 86 that gets contactwith the guide 322, whereby it is possible to prevent the developmentlayer 85 from being stripped off and adhering to the guide 322 in adetachment operation.

[0355] Further, the hole 320 is provided in the carrier 86 at a positiondownstream in the direction in which the inspection target solution isdeveloped, and the projection 321 with the shape approximately same asthat of the hole 320 and the guide 322 for fixing the carrier 86 areprovided on the fixing table 311. Therefore, the development layer 85 isprevented from being stripped off and adhering to the projection 321.Further, the inspection target solution is prevented from adhering tothe hole 320 and the projection 321 during application of the inspectiontarget solution, whereby even when the immuno-chromatography test strip8 is repeatedly attached to the fixing table 311, the accuracy ofattachment is not deteriorated, and the immuno-chromatography test strip8 can be easily and accurately attached to the fixing table 311.

[0356] In the sixteenth embodiment, also when a notch is provided in thecarrier 86, and the shape of the guide 322 is the same as that of thenotch provided in the carrier 86, so that the guide 322 is inserted inthe notch, the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 can be accuratelyattached to the fixing table 311. At this time, when the notch isprovided asymmetrically with respect to the center line of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 in the longer-side direction, or thenotch and the guide 322 are provided only on one side, theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is prevented from being attached tothe fixing table 311 inside out.

Embodiment 17

[0357] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 54 to 62 of thepresent invention will be described as a seventeenth embodiment withreference to FIG. 20.

[0358] The difference from the sixteenth embodiment is that a test stripfixing device 323 that can be attached to the fixing table 311 isprovided. The quantitative measurement on the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8 has been described with respect to the fifteenth embodiment, anda description thereof will be omitted here.

[0359]FIG. 20 are perspective views of the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to the seventeenth embodiment. In thedrawing, the same or corresponding constituent elements as those shownin FIG. 18 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof will be omitted.

[0360] In FIG. 20(a), numeral 323 denotes the test strip fixing device,which presses a measurement area of the immuno-chromatography test strip8 to smooth a part where a beam is applied, when it is attached to thefixing table 311. Here, an area of the carrier 86 where the beam isscanned is pressed. Thereby, the development layer 85 is prevented fromadhering to the test strip fixing device 323, and thus the accuracy ofattachment of the test strip fixing device 323 can be maintained evenwhen attachment and detachment thereof is repeated. It is desirable thata part that gets contact with the carrier 86 has elasticity. While thetest strip fixing device 323 and the fixing table 311 are differentcomponents, the test strip fixing device 323 may be integrated with thefixing table 311. By this configuration, it is possible to prevent aloss of the test strip fixing device 323.

[0361] Numeral 324 denotes a transmission window, through which a beamis transmitted. It is provided on the surface of the test strip fixingdevice 323 where the beam is applied, is slightly wider than the widthof the beam, and is long enough in the longer-side direction not toprevent the beam from being scanned. Therefore, a measurement ofabsorbance can be performed while the test strip fixing device 323 isattached.

[0362] Numeral 325 denotes a pawl-shaped projection, which is providedin the test strip fixing device 323 to fix the test strip fixing device323 on the fixing table 311. While a hole 340 in which the pawl-shapedprojection 325 is inserted is provided in the fixing table 311, it isalso possible that an interval between the two pawl-shaped projections325 are made equal to the width of the fixing table 311, so that thetest strip fixing device 323 is fixed.

[0363] Numeral 326 denotes a handle, which is provided in the test stripfixing device 323 to make it easy to attach/detach the test strip fixingdevice 323 to/from the fixing table 311. It is desired that the handle326 has a shape which is easy for an operator to hold when he/sheattaches/detaches the test strip fixing device 323 to/from the fixingtable 311, and it is more desirable that the surface of the handle 326is subjected to anti-slipping processing.

[0364] Numeral 327 denotes a needle, which is provided in the test stripfixing device 323. When the test strip fixing device 323 is attached tothe fixing table 311, the needle 327 penetrates the chromatography teststrip 8, here, the carrier 86. Therefore, when the test strip fixingdevice 323 is detached from the fixing table 311, theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is detached from the fixing table 311with the test strip fixing device 323, whereby the immuno-chromatographytest strip 8 can be disposed of without an inspection target solutionadhering to an operator.

[0365] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the seventeenth embodiment, theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is attached to the fixing table 311,and the test strip fixing device 323 having the transmission window 324is attached thereto. Therefore, the area where the beam is scanned issmoothed, so that the accuracy of a measurement of absorbance isenhanced, and the measurement of absorbance can be performed while thetest strip fixing device 323 is attached.

[0366] Further, by bringing the test strip fixing device 323 intocontact with the carrier 86, the development layer 85 is prevented fromadhering to the test strip fixing device 323, and thus the accuracy ofattachment of the test strip fixing device 323 can be maintained evenwhen attachment and detachment thereof is repeated.

[0367] Furthermore, since the needle 327 is provided in the test stripfixing device 323, the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 is detachedfrom the fixing table 311 with the test strip fixing device 323 when thetest strip fixing device 323 is detached from the fixing table 311,whereby it is possible to dispose of the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8 without an inspection target solution adhering to an operator.

[0368] While in the seventeenth embodiment the description has beengiven of the case where the test strip fixing device 323 is attached tothe fixing table 311 employing the pawl-shaped projections 325 as shownin FIG. 20(a), the test strip fixing device 323 may be attached to thefixing table 311 by sliding the test strip fixing device 323 along thefixing table 311, as shown in FIG. 20(b). At this time, the test stripfixing device 323 and the fixing table 311 are fixed by taking the shapeof wedge. Further, it is also possible that an inclination part isprovided in the test strip fixing device 323 or the fixing table 311, sothat the test strip fixing device 323 and the fixing table 311 arebrought into contact at this inclination part, thereby fixing the teststrip fixing device 323 on the fixing table 311.

Embodiment 18

[0369] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in Claims 63 to 68 of thepresent invention will be described as an eighteenth embodiment withreference to FIG. 21.

[0370] The difference from the fifteenth embodiment is that the carrier86 and the fixing table 311 are provided with grooves 328 and a guide329, respectively. The quantitative measurement on theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 has been described with respect tothe fifteenth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omittedhere.

[0371]FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus according to the eighteenth embodiment.In the drawing, the same or corresponding constituent elements as thoseshown in FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, anddescriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0372] In FIG. 21, the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 is providedwith a notch 350 at its end on the side of insertion into the fixingtable 311. When the notch 350 is provided asymmetrically with respect tothe center line of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 in thelonger-side direction, it is possible to prevent a failure such asinside-out attachment of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8.

[0373] The carrier 86 is provided with the grooves 328. When the grooves328 are formed by a laser cutter which is employed when theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is formed, process of operation canbe omitted. At this time, it is desired that the grooves 328 and theguide 329 are provided asymmetrically with respect to the center line ofthe immuno-chromatography test strip 8 in the longer-side direction.

[0374] The fixing table 311 is provided with a projection 330 having theshape same as that of the notch 350, the guide 329 which can be insertedin the grooves 328, and an insertion slot in which theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 can be inserted. Here, the insertionslot is inclined so as to becomes narrower toward the interior of thefixing table 311.

[0375] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the eighteenth embodiment, theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 can be fixed in the fixing table 311at a prescribed position. At this time, since the notch 350 provided inthe carrier 86 is provided asymmetrically with respect to the centerline of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 in the longer-sidedirection, the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 can be prevented frombeing attached inside out.

Embodiment 19

[0376] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 69 to 77 of thepresent invention will be described as a nineteenth embodiment withreference to FIG. 22.

[0377] The difference from the fifteenth embodiment is that the carrier86 and the fixing table 311 are provided with the groove 328 and theguide 329, respectively. The quantitative measurement on theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 has been described with respect tothe fifteenth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omittedhere.

[0378]FIG. 22 are perspective views of the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to the nineteenth embodiment. In thedrawings, the same or corresponding constituent elements as those shownin FIG. 21 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof will be omitted.

[0379] In FIG. 22(a), the carrier 86 is provided with the groove 328 atits end on the side of insertion into the fixing table 311.

[0380] The fixing table 311 is provided with the guide 329 which can beinserted in the groove 328, and a holding member 331 for pressing theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8, which is made of an elastic member.

[0381] When the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 is completelyinserted in the fixing table 311, the guide 329 is inserted in thegroove 328, so that the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 is fixed inthe fixing table 311 at a prescribed position. At this time, when thereis provided a means for detecting the insertion of the guide 329 intothe groove 328, it is possible to recognize that theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 is correctly disposed in the fixingtable, whereby erroneous measurement operation can be prevented. As anexample, there is a configuration in which the guide 329 is providedwith an electrode and the surface of the groove 328 is covered with aconductive material.

[0382] The holding member 331 is integrated with the fixing table 311and presses the vicinity of an area on the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8 where a beam is scanned. Specifically, it is desired that a partof the carrier 86 is pressed, and the end of the holding member 331 isinclined. The immuno-chromatography test strip 8 inserted in the fixingtable 311 is positioned as the end of the carrier 86 is introduced withwalls of the fixing table 311 as a guide. It is desired that there isprovided a mechanism for releasing the holding member 331 in a processfor removing the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 from the fixingtable 311. The holding member 331 may not be necessarily integrated withthe fixing table 311 and may be provided in the chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus. In this case, it is desirable that theholding member 331 is detachable.

[0383] While the position of the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 isdecided by employing the groove 328 and the guide 329 in FIG. 22(a), theposition may be decided by the carrier 86 whose width on the insertionside is narrowed to form stages, as shown in FIG. 22(b).

[0384] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the nineteenth embodiment, since the holdingmember 331 for pressing the carrier 86 is provided, an area where a beamis scanned can be smoothed, thereby enhancing the accuracy of ameasurement of absorbance. At this time, since the end of the holdingmember 331 is inclined, the holding member 331 is easilyattached/detached to/from the fixing table 311.

Embodiment 20

[0385] Hereinafter, a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusthat corresponds to the invention defined in claims 78 to 88 of thepresent invention will be described as a twentieth embodiment withreference to FIGS. 23 and 24.

[0386] The quantitative measurement on the immuno-chromatography teststrip 8 has been described with respect to the fifteenth embodiment, anda description thereof will be omitted here.

[0387]FIG. 23 is a perspective views of the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus according to the twentieth embodiment. In thedrawing, the same or corresponding constituent elements as those shownin FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptionsthereof will be omitted.

[0388] In FIG. 23, an operator holds the carrier 86 and detaches theimmuno-chromatography test strip from the fixing table. Thereby, it ispossible to prevent the operator from being contaminated with a samplewhen detaching the immuno-chromatography test strip 8. At this time, asshown in FIG. 23, the carrier 86 is bent and the end thereof is in theair, so that the operator can hold this bent part. At this time, thepart of the carrier 86 which is to be held is provided with a slipstopper 332. Therefore, the operator can easily hold the bent part whendetaching the immuno-chromatography test strip 8, resulting inenhancement in operationlity. While the slip stopper 332 is provided inthe shape of projections, the slip stopper 332 may take the shape ofgrooves or shape obtained by knurling processing on the surface of thecarrier 86. Here, when a groove is previously provided at a part where avalley is to be made when the carrier 86 is bent, the carrier 86 can bebent easily, thereby detaching the immuno-chromatography test strip 8easily. Further, when the part of the carrier 86 which is to be heldprotrudes above the fixing table 311, the operator can hold the parteasily, resulting in enhancement in operationality.

[0389] The fixing table 311 is provided with a saucer 333 which is agroove for receiving an inspection target solution, and an aperture ofthis saucer 333 is larger than the carrier 86. Further, the saucer 333is provided with a slope 334, so that the inspection target solution canbe applied not only to the application part 81 of theimmuno-chromatography test strip 8 from above but also to thedevelopment layer 85 from the cross sectional direction. When thesurface of the fixing table 311 is subjected to water repellentfinishing, a sample which erroneously escapes during the application ofsample to the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 can be easily wiped.Further, since an absorbent material 335 as an absorbent substance isattached to the saucer 333 of the fixing table, the sample whicherroneously escapes during the application of sample is absorbed by theabsorbent material 335, so that the sample is prevented from adhering tothe chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus. The absorbentmaterial 335 is provided on the bottom surface of the saucer 333 and isreplaceable.

[0390] Further, as shown in FIG. 24, when the fixing table 311 isprovided with a through hole 336 at a part that gets contact with thecarrier 86, so that a removal bar 337 is inserted in the through hole336, the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 can be easily removed fromthe fixing table 311. The removal bar 337 may be integrated with thefixing table 311.

[0391] As described above, according to the chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus of the twentieth embodiment, it is possible toprevent the inspection target solution from adhering to an operator whenthe operator detaches the immuno-chromatography test strip 8 on which ameasurement is finished from the fixing table 311. Here, since thefixing table 311 is subjected to water repellent finishing, aninspection target solution that erroneously adheres to the fixing table311 is easily wiped. Further, since the slope 334 is provided, even whena different method of applying the inspection target solution isemployed, the fixing table 311 is applicable thereto without beingreplaced.

APPLICABILITY IN INDUSTRY

[0392] A chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according tothe present invention has a high accuracy of a quantitative measurement,and is available as a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusfor a measurement employing an immuno-chromatography test strip or thelike.

1. A chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies abeam emitted from a light source to a sample, detects an optical signalfrom a transmitted light or reflected light from the sample, andquantitatively reads the concentration of the sample from the signal,including: an optical means for forming the beam emitted from the lightsource into an elliptical or rectangular shape and applying theelliptically or rectangularly shaped beam to the sample.
 2. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein the sample is put on an immuno-chromatography test strip, andthe beam applied to the sample has a longer side which is shorter thanthe width of the immuno-chromatography test strip in the width directionthat is orthogonal with respect to the long-side direction.
 3. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein the sample is put on an immuno-chromatography test strip, andthe beam applied to the sample has a shorter side which is shorter thanthe width of a detection part region of the immuno-chromatography teststrip.
 4. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as definedin any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the optical signal is detected byscanning the beam applied to the sample, or the sample.
 5. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 1,wherein a laser is used as the light source, and a laser beam from thelight source is converted into a collimated beam via a collimator lens,and the optical means forms the collimated beam into an elliptical shapevia a cylindrical lens and applies the elliptically shaped beam to thesample.
 6. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 1, wherein a laser is used as the light source, and thelaser beam from the light source is converted into a collimated beam viaa collimator lens, and the optical means forms the collimated beam intoa rectangular shape via a rectangularly shaped aperture member andapplies the rectangularly shaped beam to the sample.
 7. A chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus which applies a beam emitted from alight source to a sample, detects an optical signal from a transmittedlight or reflected light from the sample, and quantitatively reads theconcentration of the sample from the signal, including: a laser as thelight source; and a collimator lens which converts the laser beam into acollimated beam, wherein when the collimated beam is shapedrectangularly via an aperture member and the rectangularly shaped beamis applied to the sample, the direction of a longer side of therectangularly shaped beam is made to correspond to the direction inwhich the beam divergence angle of the laser becomes larger.
 8. Achromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies a beamemitted from a light source to a sample, detects an optical signal froma transmitted light or reflected light from the sample, andquantitatively reads the concentration of the sample from the signal,including: a laser as, the light source; and a collimator lens whichconverts the laser beam into a collimated beam, wherein when thecollimated beam is shaped elliptically via a cylindrical lens and theelliptically shaped beam is applied to the sample, the direction of alonger side of the elliptically shaped beam is made to correspond to thedirection in which the beam divergence angle of the laser becomeslarger.
 9. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in any of claims 5 to 8, including: a compensation means forstoring the initial wavelength of the laser, calculating the presentwavelength of the laser to compensate by provision of a temperaturedetection element in the vicinity of the laser, and compensating anoptical signal detection value or the converted concentration of thesample which is obtained by converting the optical signal detectionvalue.
 10. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 9, wherein the compensation means performs processingfor detecting the optical signal, processing for obtaining the convertedconcentration of the sample, and processing for compensating theconverted concentration, with the same calculator.
 11. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in any ofclaims 5 to 8, wherein the concentration of the sample is calculatedfrom a difference between electronic signals obtained by two lightreceiving elements, i.e., a reference beam light receiving element whichreceives a reference beam separated from the beam emitted from thelaser, and a scattering light receiving element which receives ascattering light generated by the application of the laser to thesample, and the area of the reference beam light receiving element forreceiving light is smaller than the area of the scattering lightreceiving element for receiving light.
 12. The chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus as defined in any of claims 5 to 8,wherein the concentration of the sample is calculated from a differencebetween electronic signals obtained by two light receiving elements,i.e., a reference beam light receiving element which receives areference beam separated from the beam emitted from the laser, and ascattering light receiving element which receives a scattering lightgenerated by the application of the laser to the sample, including: acondensing means for condensing the scattering light from the sample onthe scattering light receiving element.
 13. The chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein thecondensing means is a concave mirror which condenses a light from thesample that is scattered in the opposite direction of the direction inwhich the scattering light receiving element is arranged, on thescattering light receiving element.
 14. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 12, wherein the condensing meansis a condensing lens arranged between the sample and the scatteringlight receiving element, which condenses the scattering light from thesample that goes toward the scattering light receiving element, on thescattering light receiving element.
 15. A chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus which applies an optical beam emitted from a lightsource to a chromatography test strip that comprises an application partwhere an inspection target solution is applied; a marker reagent holdpart which holds a marker reagent that can be eluted by development ofthe inspection target solution; a base part where a specific bindingreaction is caused between the marker reagent and an analysis targetincluded in the inspection target solution; and a detection where abounded material of the marker reagent and the analysis target isimmobilized, detects an optical signal utilizing a transmitted light orreflected light from the chromatography test strip, and quantitativelymeasures the concentration of the analysis target included in theinspection target solution from the signal, wherein the inspectiontarget solution is applied to the chromatography test strip, the opticalbeam is applied to a prescribed position of the base part, a variationof the transmitted light or reflected light from the chromatography teststrip, which is generated by the elution of the marker reagent thataccompanies the development of the inspection target solution, isdetected, and the concentration of the analysis target included in theinspection target solution is measured in a prescribed period of timesince the detection of variation.
 16. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein at least one oftemperature and humidity is monitored, and a previously set prescribedperiod of time after which the measurement of the concentration of theanalysis target is performed is compensated.
 17. The chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 15, wherein thelight source is repeatedly lighted and extinguished alternately whilethe development of the inspection target solution is detected.
 18. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 15,wherein the light source is extinguished until shortly before thedetection of the development of the inspection target solution.
 19. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 15,wherein output from the light source is set lower than that when theconcentration of the analysis target is measured, while the developmentof the inspection target solution is detected.
 20. A chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus which applies an optical beam emittedfrom a light source to a chromatography test strip that comprises anapplication part where an inspection target solution is applied; amarker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent that can be elutedby development of the inspection target solution; a base part where aspecific binding reaction is caused between the marker reagent and ananalysis target included in the inspection target solution; and adetection part where a bounded material of the marker reagent and theanalysis target is immobilized, detects an optical signal utilizing atransmitted light or reflected light from the chromatography test strip,and quantitatively measures the concentration of the analysis targetincluded in the inspection target solution from the signal, wherein theinspection target solution is applied to the chromatography test strip,a speed of development after the application of the inspection targetsolution is detected, and it is judged whether performance of thechromatography test strip is high or low from the speed of development.21. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined inclaim 20, wherein the speed of development is calculated by detectingtime variation of value of a detection signal, which is generated by theflow of the marker reagent that accompanies the development of theinspection target solution on the chromatography test strip.
 22. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 20,wherein the speed of development is calculated from a speed of scanningof the optical beam, when the optical beam is scanned so that a value ofthe detection signal, which is generated by the elution of the markerreagent that accompanies the development of the inspection targetsolution on the chromatography test strip, is kept constant.
 23. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 20,wherein a discrimination value of the speed of development, from whichwhether performance of the chromatography test strip is high or low isjudged, is compensated from a result of measuring at least one ofsurrounding temperature and humidity at the development of theinspection target solution on the chromatography test strip.
 24. Achromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies an opticalbeam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test strip thatcomprises an application part where an inspection target solution isapplied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, wherein a kind of inspection target solution is judged froma detection signal at the base part on the chromatography test stripwhere the inspection target solution is applied.
 25. The chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 24, wherein thebase part where the detection signal is measured is located downstreamof the detection part in the direction of the development.
 26. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 24,wherein a calibration curve in conformity with the inspection targetsolution can be selected previously.
 27. A chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus which applies an optical beam emitted from a lightsource to a chromatography test strip that comprises an application partwhere an inspection target solution is applied; a marker reagent holdpart which holds a marker reagent that can be eluted by development ofthe inspection target solution; a base part where a specific bindingreaction is caused between the marker reagent and an analysis targetincluded in the inspection target solution; and a detection part where abounded material of the marker reagent and the analysis target isimmobilized, detects an optical signal utilizing a transmitted light orreflected light from the chromatography test strip, and quantitativelymeasures the concentration of the analysis target included in theinspection target solution from the signal, wherein deficiency in theamount of inspection target solution applied and insufficientdevelopment on the chromatography test strip are judged from a detectionsignal that is obtained by applying the optical beam to the downstreamend part of the base part on the chromatography test strip where theinspection target solution is applied.
 28. The chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 27, wherein theoptical beam is scanned from the upstream end part of the base part onthe chromatography test strip to the downstream end part thereof.
 29. Achromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies an opticalbeam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test strip thatcomprises an application part where an inspection target solution isapplied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, wherein when a detection signal at a part downstream of thedetection part in the direction of the development, where influence ofthe detection part is not exerted, is a standard value, a detectionsignal at the detection part is taken as a detection signal for themeasurement of concentration.
 30. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 29, wherein the detection signalfor the measurement of concentration is an average value of values aboutan extreme value of the detection part, and the detection signal as thestandard value is an average value of values in the vicinity of theposition downstream of the detection part in the direction in which theinspection target solution is developed, where influence of thedetection part is not exerted.
 31. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 29, wherein the detection signalfor the measurement of concentration is an intermediate value of valuesabout an extreme value of the detection part, and the detection signalas the standard value is an intermediate value of values in the vicinityof the position downstream of the detection part in the direction inwhich the inspection target solution is developed, where influence ofthe detection part is not exerted.
 32. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 29, wherein a comparison is madeof values about an extreme value of the detection signal at thedetection part, and when a difference therebetween exceeds adiscrimination value, the chromatography test strip is judged to be lowin performance.
 33. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusas defined in claim 29, wherein a comparison is made of values in thevicinity of a position downstream of the detection part in the directionof the development, where influence of the detection part is notexerted, and when a difference therebetween exceeds a discriminationvalue, the chromatography test strip is judged to be low in performance.34. A chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, wherein the measurement of concentration is performed on thechromatography test strip exclusive of the marker reagent hold part. 35.A chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus which applies anoptical beam emitted from a light source to a chromatography test stripthat comprises an application part where an inspection target solutionis applied; a marker reagent hold part which holds a marker reagent thatcan be eluted by development of the inspection target solution; a basepart where a specific binding reaction is caused between the markerreagent and an analysis target included in the inspection targetsolution; and a detection part where a bounded material of the markerreagent and the analysis target is immobilized, detects an opticalsignal utilizing a transmitted light or reflected light from thechromatography test strip, and quantitatively measures the concentrationof the analysis target included in the inspection target solution fromthe signal, wherein a region on the chromatography test strip where avalue of the detection signal is flat is taken as a region of the markerreagent hold part.
 36. The chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus as defined in claim 35, wherein the width of the region on thechromatography test strip where the value of the detection signal isflat is calculated, and the width is compared with a prescribed width ofthe marker reagent hold part.
 37. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 35, wherein a value in theregion on the chromatography test strip where the detection signal isflat is detected, and the amount of residual marker reagent is confirmedfrom the detected value.
 38. A chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus which applies an optical beam emitted from a light source to achromatography test strip that comprises an application part where aninspection target solution is applied; a marker reagent hold part whichholds a marker reagent that can be eluted by development of theinspection target solution; a base part where a specific bindingreaction is caused between the marker reagent and an analysis targetincluded in the inspection target solution; and a detection part where abounded material of the marker reagent and the analysis target isimmobilized, detects an optical signal utilizing a transmitted light orreflected light from the chromatography test strip, and quantitativelymeasures the concentration of the analysis target included in theinspection target solution from the signal, wherein a rise and fall of adetection signal are recognized, and an extreme value of the detectionsignal is obtained.
 39. The chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus as defined in claim 38, wherein the rise and fall of thedetection signal is recognized, an interval between the rise and thefall is calculated, and the size of the interval is compared with aprescribed width of the detection part.
 40. A chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus for performing a quantitativemeasurement by applying an inspection target solution to animmuno-chromatography test strip, applying a beam to a detection part ofthe immuno-chromatography test strip after development of the inspectiontarget solution, so as to detect an optical signal, and quantitativelyreading the concentration of a sample from the detected signal,including: a fixing table for holding the immuno-chromatography teststrip and a measurement table for holding the fixing table, wherein theimmuno-chromatography test strip comprises a development layer fordeveloping the inspection target solution and a carrier for holding thedevelopment layer.
 41. The chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein the measurement table isprovided with a groove for positioning the fixing table.
 42. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,wherein the measurement table is provided with a movable projection forfixing the fixing table.
 43. The chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein the quantitative measurementis performed by scanning the beam.
 44. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein the fixing table isprovided with a projection, and the carrier is provided with a hole inwhich the projection can be inserted.
 45. The chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 44, wherein thehole has a round shape.
 46. The chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus as defined in claim 44, wherein the hole has a rectangularshape.
 47. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 44, wherein the hole is provided downstream of thedevelopment layer in the direction in which the inspection targetsolution is developed.
 48. The chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus as defined in claim 44, wherein the hole is providedasymmetrically with respect to the center line of theimmuno-chromatography test strip in the longer-side direction.
 49. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,wherein the fixing table is provided with a guide, and the carrier islarger than the development layer and follows the shape of the guide.50. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined inclaim 49, wherein a part of the guide is inclined.
 51. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 49,wherein the carrier is provided with a notch in which the guide can beinserted.
 52. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 40, wherein the measurement table is provided with aprojection, and the immuno-chromatography test strip and the fixingtable are provided with holes in which the projection can be inserted.53. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined inclaim 52, wherein the projection has its end inclined.
 54. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,including: a test strip fixing device for fixing theimmuno-chromatography test strip on the fixing table, wherein the teststrip fixing device presses the vicinity of a measurement area of theimmuno-chromatography test strip.
 55. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 54, wherein the test stripfixing device presses the carrier of the immuno-chromatography teststrip.
 56. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 54, wherein the test strip fixing device is providedwith a transmission window through which the beam is transmitted. 57.The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim54, wherein the test strip fixing device is provided with pawl-shapedprojections for fixing the test strip fixing device on the fixing table.58. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined inclaim 54, wherein the test strip fixing device slides along the fixingtable.
 59. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 58, wherein the test strip fixing device or the fixingtable is provided with an inclination part, and the test strip fixingdevice and the fixing table are brought into contact at the inclinationpart, thereby fixing the test strip fixing device on the fixing table.60. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined inclaim 54, wherein the test strip fixing device is integrated with thefixing table.
 61. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 54, wherein the test strip fixing device is providedwith handles.
 62. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 54, wherein the test strip fixing device is providedwith a needle which penetrates the immuno-chromatography test strip. 63.The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim40, wherein the carrier is provided with grooves, and the fixing tableor the measurement table is provided with a guide which can be insertedin the grooves.
 64. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatusas defined in claim 63, wherein the grooves are formed by a lasercutter.
 65. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 40, wherein the fixing table is provided with aninsertion slot in which the immuno-chromatography test strip can beinserted.
 66. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 65, wherein the insertion slot is inclined.
 67. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 65,wherein the immuno-chromatography test strip is provided with a notch atits end on the side of insertion into the fixing table, and the fixingtable is provided with a projection which has the shape same as that ofthe notch.
 68. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 67, wherein the notch is provided asymmetrically withrespect to the center line of the immuno-chromatography test strip inthe longer-side direction.
 69. The chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus as defined in claim 65, wherein the carrier is provided with agroove at its end on the side of insertion of the immuno-chromatographytest strip into the fixing table, and the fixing table is provided witha projection which can be inserted in the groove.
 70. The chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 69, including: ameans for detecting whether the projection is inserted in the groove.71. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined inclaim 65, wherein the immuno-chromatography test strip is shaped to havestages by narrowing the width on the side of insertion into the fixingtable.
 72. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 65, wherein the fixing table is provided with anelastic member for pressing the immuno-chromatography test strip. 73.The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim72, wherein the elastic member is integrated with the fixing table. 74.The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim72, wherein the elastic member has its end inclined.
 75. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 72,including: a mechanism for releasing the press by the elastic member.76. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined inclaim 40, including: an elastic member for pressing theimmuno-chromatography test strip.
 77. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 72 or 76, wherein the elasticmember is detachable.
 78. The chromatography quantitative measuringapparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein an operator can hold thecarrier to detach the immuno-chromatography test strip from the fixingtable.
 79. The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus asdefined in claim 78, wherein the carrier is bent to create a spacebetween the fixing table and the end of the carrier.
 80. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 79,wherein the carrier is provided with a groove to be bent therealong. 81.The chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim78, wherein the carrier protrudes above the fixing table.
 82. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 78,wherein a part of the carrier is provided with a slip stopper.
 83. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,wherein the fixing table is provided with a groove for receiving theinspection target solution.
 84. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 83, wherein the groove is givena slope, so that the inspection target solution can be supplied to thedevelopment layer from the direction of the cross section of theimmuno-chromatography test strip.
 85. The chromatography quantitativemeasuring apparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein the fixing table issubjected to water repellent finishing.
 86. The chromatographyquantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40, wherein thefixing table is attached with an absorbent material.
 87. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 40,wherein the fixing table has a through hole in which a removal bar canbe inserted, and the bar is inserted in the through hole to press theimmuno-chromatography test strip, thereby removing theimmuno-chromatography test strip from the fixing table.
 88. Thechromatography quantitative measuring apparatus as defined in claim 87,wherein the removal bas is integrated with the fixing table.